Draymond Green, the Golden State Warriors’ veteran star forward, re-signed with the team this offseason for four years and $100 million. Green allegedly received higher bids from opposing teams.
However, the 11-year veteran chose to accept less money in order to remain with the team that drafted him 35th overall in the 2012 NBA draught. According to Green, the advice he received from his agent, Rich Paul, was a major factor in his decision.
Green discussed Paul’s advice on ‘The Pat Bev Podcast,’ a podcast hosted by Philadelphia 76ers veteran point guard Patrick Beverley. Green stated that Paul, best known as the agent of LA Lakers star forward LeBron James, spoke to him about the value of loyalty.
“He made it very clear and evident to me just how important loyalty is, how important the situation that you’re in is, and for me, I’ve been there my entire career,” Green explained.”Don’t just walk away because the dollar amount looks better. That gleaming object over there isn’t always what it appears to be.”
Paul also told Green that Golden State was the best place for him to preserve his legacy:
“The way Rich stayed in his pocket and just, the only thing to him, was my legacy, like, yeah, we’re going to get you paid, but your legacy is more important than anything.”
Green then confirmed that he and Paul turned down much more money from other teams in order to accept the Warriors’ offer.
“He had a specific dollar amount that he wanted to reach, that we wanted to reach, that we had discussed before it all started.””I also had other opportunities that would have paid me more.” Even when I explained to him the potential benefits of these opportunities, he remained silent. It was also more money! I’m talking about tens of millions of dollars more per year. And he’d simply go radio silent.”
Green has had tremendous success in Golden State, winning four NBA championships in 11 years. He has also been named to four All-Star teams, two All-NBA teams, eight All-Defensive teams, and has been named Defensive Player of the Year. Most people would agree that Green should stay with the Warriors for the rest of his career.
Draymond Green’s conversation with Rich Paul begins at 5:30:
Draymond Green claims the Warriors prioritised his re-signing in free agency.
Despite offering Draymond Green less money in free agency than other teams, the Golden State Warriors made it clear that they wanted him back. Green later stated on The Pat Bev podcast that the Warriors told him that re-signing him was their top priority in free agency.
“I think for a split second it seemed like I would have to explore other teams and do the thing,” Green explained.”But what I will say is that Golden State made it very clear to me that I was a priority, and that they wanted to do everything in their power to keep me there and a part of what we’ve built for the rest of my life.” And I believe one of the most important things Joe said to me was, ‘This is not some contract. You will be our life partner for the rest of our lives.’ And that meant a lot to me.”
Green is already 33 years old, so his new four-year contract will most likely last until the end of his career. All indications point to the veteran forward becoming a Warrior for life.