The Golden State Warriors kicked off an ambitious offseason plan on Monday, June 29, 2026, as forward Draymond Green declined his $27.7 million player option.
The move creates financial flexibility for the franchise, according to reports from Yahoo Sports and CBS Sports.
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The opt-out is the first step in a multi-stage strategy to bring LeBron James and Anthony Davis to San Francisco alongside Green and Stephen Curry.
Golden State now has an estimated $51 million in first-apron room under the NBA salary cap, unlocking a $15 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception that could be offered to James.
To acquire Davis, who is under contract with the Washington Wizards, the Warriors would need to build a trade package centered around moving forward Jimmy Butler to balance salaries.
NBA insider Shams Charania reported on the financial implications and flexibility gained by the franchise following the decision.
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Warriors reporter Anthony Slater noted that Green, James, and Davis share the same agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, which could help facilitate the complex transactions.
"Hours ahead of the option deadline, Green's decline is a blaring indication that the franchise has something brewing," Slater wrote.
The potential acquisition of Davis remains contingent on negotiations with Washington, given his high salary and limited individual trade value after recent injuries.
"The pitch would be simple: reunite with AD, team up with Steph Curry and Draymond Green, play for Steve Kerr, and chase one more championship with a roster of legends," wrote Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor.
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Forming a veteran core of James, Curry, Green, and Davis presents long-term physical risks given their ages of 41, 38, 36, and 33, respectively.
