Memphis Grizzlies one of contenders linked to Golden State's Draymond Green
Golden State’s Draymond Green made news on Monday when he declined his player option to return to the Bay Area. One NBA Insider says don’t rule out the Memphis Grizzlies as a potential landing spot.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that a bunch of contending teams could show interest in the four-time NBA champion, and that group includes the Grizzlies. The Warriors are still the favorites to land Green, considering their front office and head coach have both been outspoken about his importance in Golden State.
“There will be no shortage of contenders who would love to find a way to get Draymond Green, but I think there’s ultimately a magnet between Draymond Green and the Warriors that’ll keep them talking and get them back toward trying to find a deal to keep him in the Bay Area,” Wojnarowski said.
Acquiring Green would take a sign-and-trade for the Grizzlies. Since the Warriors star turned down a $27.6 million player option, he’s likely looking for a long term commitment with similar salary numbers. In the Grizzlies’ case, that would mean players like Tyus Jones, Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke could be trade options to match salary.
Green, 33, has played his entire 11-year career primarily at power forward, which is the same case for Jaren Jackson Jr. The duo of former Michigan State collegiate standouts would create a fearsome and versatile frontcourt pairing of Defensive Player of the Year winners, but one of them would be spending most of their minutes at center for the first time in their respective careers.
The Grizzlies and Green have had their battles over the past few years, but most of that has been the back and forth between Dillon Brooks and Green. Brooks is unlikely to return to the Grizzlies this offseason.
Memphis could use a veteran who has proven to be a vocal leader and winner over the past decade, but Green’s fiery style has led to noticeable run-ins with teammates Kevin Durant and Jordan Poole that impacted his relationship with each of those players during previous seasons.
Free agency is set to begin on Friday, June 30, when teams can start negotiating contracts with players.
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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies could show interest in Draymond Green's free agency
