Golden State Warriors: Draymond Green is undervalued, but not underpaid

Draymond Green is an expiring contract after next season and could be in line for a big payday, but it may not come from the Golden State Warriors

After winning three championships with the Golden State Warriors and a Defensive Player of the Year award in 2017, Draymond Green is rumored to be potentially seeking a max contract or big contract extension.

Green’s contract officially expires after the 2019-20 season, where he is expected to hit the open free agency market. And after reportedly taking less the last time he signed a contract extension with the Warriors, in 2015, Green feels that he could be in line for a big contract extension – this time perhaps without taking less.

This is what he told ESPN’s Chris Haynes:

More from Sir Charles In Charge

"“I took less so we could go after KD,” Green told ESPN during the Finals. “I am a student of this game, and I studied the business side of it and the numbers, where some people don’t. They leave it up to their agent to do it.”"

If Draymond played for another team besides the Warriors, there is the possibility that he could be the leader of an NBA franchise player.

What Draymond Green brings to the Warriors is undeniable. Draymond Green plays roughly 31 minutes a game and is the ultimate utility player for the team.

Offensively, his pass-first nature greatly complements the splash brothers. Draymond Green always makes sure Stephen Curry gets the ball at the right time. His ability to set up off-ball screens is essential to the Splash Brother’s performance and success.

His ability to get assists reduces Stephen Curry’s responsibility on the offensive end of the court. Draymond is also a threat to score from the 3-point line. However, his shooting is too spotty for any team to count on a consistent basis.

Defensively, he brings a toughness and edge to any team that is essential in winning.

He is the only person in NBA history to get 500 rebounds, 500 assists, 100 steals, and 100 blocks in multiple seasons. And is the only person to accomplish this while winning Defensive Player of the Year.

However, Draymond is just one piece of the Warrior’s puzzle. And the Splash Brothers gives the Warriors their identity as a team and the addition of Kevin Durant to the Warriors’ roster made them unstoppable.

Over the past three seasons, the Warriors have thinned out their bench to make room for KD’s max contract.

Not only did the Warriors get rid of Harrison Barnes and Andre Bogut in 2016, but from the 2017-18 season, they did not re-sign Zaza Pachulia, JaVale McGee, Nick Young, David West, and Patrick McCaw. These were essential pieces in Golden State’s second unit and together they averaged 28.3 points, 13.6 rebounds and played over 70 minutes per game combined.

Even if Draymond Greens signs an extension with the Warriors, this is a void the they still have to fill next season.

If KD exercises his player option this offseason, the Warriors are going need to acquire more role players to provide offense and quality playing minutes. And if Cousins signs elsewhere (he’s also a free agent heading into the summer), the Warriors need a center to replace him.

Ideally, the Warriors should just pay the luxury tax to retain Draymond Green on their roster while bringing in other role players to keep the Warriors competitive. However, if Draymond Green were to not return to the Warriors after the 2019-20 season, the Warriors could always replace him with a combination of other players that approximate his value to the Warriors.

Draymond Green is set to make north of $18 million dollars next season. For that price tag, the Warriors could replace Draymond Green with Jeff Green, Austin Rivers, JaVale McGee, and Trevor Ariza. Or, they could sign one player a tier above this list to a long-term contract.

While much of what he brings to the Warriors is not captured in the stat sheet, Draymond Green is still averaging only 11.2 points per game while shooting an abysmal 12 percent from 3-point range through the first round of the NBA Playoffs. Simply put, a player that is putting up those averages doesn’t equate to a max contract.

Draymond Green may be one of the most unique players in the history of basketball. And his value to the Warriors is undeniable. A player like Draymond is great if you already have a great team and other players that can score and generate offense. However, based on what the Warriors need right now, he is not underpaid for his services.