Dunleavy: Warriors are committed to keeping Draymond Green

SAN FRANCISCO(AP) — The Golden State Warriors want to keep Draymond Green, yetthe team is prepared for him to formally decline his $27.5 millionplayer option for the final year of his contract next season andbecome an unrestricted free agent seeking a long-term deal.

The Athleticreported Monday that Green would opt out. Green, who said in Aprilhe wants to retire with Golden State, would have to notify theWarriors of his decision by June 30.

“I saw thereport, too. Until we get the paperwork and the filing we can’treally comment or say much,” new general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr.said Monday at his introductory news conference. “I will say it, Ithink Steve (Kerr) has said it, I’ll reiterate, we really wantDraymond back. What he means to this organization and this team interms of trying to win at the highest level, we feel like we haveto have him. So that’s very important.”

Kerr hasapplauded Green’s fiery, emotional play. The season began withGreen punching Jordan Poole at practice during training camp thentaking a brief leave of absence from the team.

This spring,Green served a one-game suspension during the Warriors’ 114-97 Game3 victory in the first round of the playoffs that Golden State wonin seven games. Hevowedafterward not to change.

“Draymondwon’t be moved by no Draymond rules,” he said. “I will continue toplay the game how I play the game, operate how I operate, beexactly who I am, because that leads to winning.”

In the fourthquarter of the Kings’ 114-106 Game 2 win,Greenstepped on the chest of Sacramento center DomantasSabonisafter Stephen Curry grabbed a defensiverebound.

In 2016,Green was suspended for a crucial Game 5 loss to LeBron James andthe Cavaliers in the NBA Finals after accumulating too manyflagrant fouls in the playoffs that season. The Warriors wound uplosing in seven.

Dunleavy andowner Joe Lacob know there’s much to do better this summer with theexpectations that the Warriors will contend for anotherchampionship next season.

And, theyhope, with Green a part of that core of players along with Curryand Klay Thompson that has won four titles together.

“Look, he’sbeen a spectacular player for us. We would not have thesechampionships without his involvement, no question,” Lacob said ofGreen.

“I thinkeveryone understands that in this room. He’s meant a lot to thisfranchise. He’s a bit of a controversial player perhaps in somecorners around the league, certain things that have happened overthe years. He knows that. We know that. But the good overwhelms thebad is what I would say.

“... He’smeant a lot. I think if he does come back that he will be veryimportant to our success certainly going forward in the next fewyears.”

Dunleavy,promoted from assistant GM to replace Bob Myers, is optimistic ofkeeping the roster together — Poole and the younger players,too.

Curry, Greenand Thompson are still competing at an elite level.

“That’s ourhope. We love those guys and value them. I think there is a way todo it. That’s something we’ll have to work through. It certainly ispossible,” Dunleavy said. “The big thing is those guys are stillplaying at a high level. Steph conservatively is one of the topfive players in the league. Draymond just had an incredible year.Essentially first team all defense. We’re biased. One of thepremiere defenders in the league. Klay has really returned wellfrom his Achilles injury and his knee. Those guys are playing wellat an older age.”