Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green declined his $27.7 million player option on Monday, June 29, 2026, ahead of the 5 p.
m. ET deadline, entering unrestricted free agency.
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According to ESPN, the move creates crucial salary cap flexibility for the franchise to retool its lineup around Stephen Curry.
The newfound financial space allows the Warriors to aggressively pursue Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James in free agency and engage in trade discussions for Washington Wizards big man Anthony Davis.
League sources indicate Golden State can now offer James the full $15.1 million nontaxpayer midlevel exception, while a potential trade package for Davis would likely center around wing Jimmy Butler.
Green remains open to negotiating a longer-term, lower-salaried contract to stay in San Francisco, but his departure from the guaranteed opt-in clears the path for immediate frontline upgrades.
The roster reshuffling comes amid a busy period for the Warriors, who recently selected Yaxel Lendeborg and Lajae Jones in the NBA draft and secured center Al Horford on a two-year contract.
The current market shift directly impacts Butler, who is recovering from ACL surgery and holds an expiring contract for the upcoming season.
Golden State management has expressed a desire to retain the veteran wing despite ongoing trade speculations involving elite targets.
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"You talking about being traded?" Butler said.
"It wouldn't be the first time. [But] it's good to know that I'm wanted here.
