Draymond Green has opted out of his contract with the Golden State Warriors and is among the premier free agents available this NBA offseason.
Sure enough, oddsmakers have put odds out for Draymond Green’s next team.
But who can afford his contract, and how much loyalty the Warriors have to him, are among the most important questions to answer as we head into July.
Fueling the speculation, the Lakers’ LeBron James was spotted on vacation in France with Green.
Could this be a recruiting pitch?
Below we break down Green’s next team odds, with bets only available in Illinois.
| Draymond Green next team odds | Implied Probablilty |
|---|---|
| Warriors -170 | 62.96 percent |
| Lakers +550 | 15.38 percent |
| Mavericks +800 | 11.11 percent |
| Suns +1200 | 7.69 percent |
| Rockets +1500 | 6.25 percent |
| Trail Blazers +2500 | 3.85 percent |
| Grizzlies +2500 | 3.85 percent |
| Clippers +2500 | 3.85 percent |
| Heat +2500 | 3.85 percent |
| 76ers +3000 | 3.23 percent |
| Knicks +3000 | 3.23 percent |
| Nets +3000 | 3.23 percent |
| Kings +3000 | 3.23 percent |
| Pistons +3000 | 3.23 percent |
| Pelicans +4000 | 2.44 percent |
| Celtics +4000 | 2.44 percent |
| Bucks +4000 | 2.44 percent |
| Hawks +4000 | 2.44 percent |
| Bulls +4000 | 2.44 percent |
| Wizards +5000 | 1.96 percent |
| Spurs +5000 | 1.96 percent |
| Jazz +5000 | 1.96 percent |
| Timberwolves +5000 | 1.96 percent |
| Raptors +5000 | 1.96 percent |
| Nuggets +5000 | 1.96 percent |
| Thunder +5000 | 1.96 percent |
| Cavaliers +5000 | 1.96 percent |
| Hornets +5000 | 1.96 percent |
| Magic +5000 | 1.96 percent |
| Pacers +5000 | 1.96 percent |
The overwhelming favorites to retain Green, the Warriors have bird rights, so they can go over the salary cap to retain him if they choose.
But their contracts with Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole will make it difficult; they will easily be over the second apron of the new CBA, significantly handicapping their roster.
Green is likely seeking $30 million a year for multiple seasons, and this stand-off with Joe Lacob could be lengthy.
We can expect him back in San Francisco for now, but there are other options further down the board worthy of a wager.
Sure, James and Green are very good friends, and the two would like to play together.
The odds of this actually happening are slim to none, though.
Los Angeles would need to facilitate some type of sign-and-trade deal, and they would need to give something up of legitimate value – which they can’t really do.
Can’t even consider a bet here.
Here’s an interesting long shot.
The Celtics do have legitimate assets to return to Golden State in a sign and trade, and Boston needs a little extra push from a boisterous veteran to make the team a title contender.
His defense and leadership is invaluable to a team like this.
Whether it is Chris Paul or Green, the Celtics will add a player of that caliber to their team this offseason.
At 40/1, this price is tasty enough and realistic enough for a wager.
Congratulations, you have won the lottery; now start winning immediately.
Victor Wembayama will set foot in San Antonio prepared to reverse the team’s fortunes, and they should be looking for veteran teammates to mix with their rookie sensation.
They have cap space and top-of-the-line coaching to recruit Green to Texas.
No state income tax is an added bonus for Green, who wants to get paid this offseason after paying California state income taxes for his entire career.