LeBron James just picked the Philadelphia 76ers, closing one of the wildest free-agency chapters in the league’s history, and the ripple effects are already spreading.
NBA analyst Kevin O’Connor says Draymond Green is next up on the decision clock.
Draymond Green’s Big Decision Looms After LeBron James’ Move to Philly
O’Connor laid it out clearly on social media, writing, “Draymond Green has a big decision to make next. Do you return to Golden State? Get paid, stay loyal to Steph, but the front office tried trading you 5 months ago and won’t hesitate to do so again.”
“Or do you look around at other teams? Follow LeBron to Philly on a minimum, sign-and-trade possibilities. Plenty of teams would want Draymond.”
Draymond Green has a big decision to make next.
Do you return to Golden State? Get paid, stay loyal to Steph, but the front office tried trading you 5 months ago and won’t hesitate to do so again.
Or do you look around at other teams? Follow LeBron to Philly on a minimum,…
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnor) July 24, 2026
That’s a real fork in the road. Green isn’t just some role player, either. He’s a four-time NBA champion, a four-time All-Star, and a former Defensive Player of the Year. He’s spent his entire 14-year career with the Warriors.
But loyalty only goes so far in the NBA, and Green has learned that the hard way this year.
Back in late June, Green declined his $27.7 million player option for the 2026-27 season. That move made him an unrestricted free agent, free to sign wherever he wanted.
At the time, many figured this was just Green setting up a longer deal to stay in Golden State. He had even said as much himself back in April, telling reporter Tim Kawakami that opting out and signing an extension was his “ideal” outcome.
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But O’Connor’s post points to something deeper.
Back in February, at the NBA trade deadline, the Warriors were deep in trade talks to land Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Green’s name came up as one of the pieces that could make the deal work, since his contract could have covered much of the salary needed to bring Antetokounmpo to the Bay Area.
Green even admitted afterward that the whole thing got “nerve-racking” toward the end, and he didn’t know if he’d still be a Warrior until the clock ran out on deadline day.
That deal never happened, and the 36-year-old stayed put. But the fact that the front office was willing to explore moving him clearly left a mark. Now, as a free agent, he has to make a decision and pick a team.
One option O’Connor mentioned is joining James in Philadelphia. The two have developed a close friendship over the years despite their memorable rivalry in four straight NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Warriors.
Green is represented by Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, James’ longtime agent, and the pair have often spoken publicly about their relationship off the court.
If Green wants to chase a ring with the 41-year-old, joining him in Philly on a minimum deal is technically possible, though it would mean taking a significant pay cut from what he could earn elsewhere.
Sign-and-trade options are also on the table.
Multiple teams around the league would likely have interest in adding a defensive anchor like Green despite his age, especially since he still ranks among the league’s smartest and most versatile forwards.
