Draymond Green sat in his man cave, frustrated and ready to vent. The Golden State Warriors forward had watched NBA free agency come and go with barely a whisper, and he wasn’t staying quiet about it. His target? The new Collective Bargaining Agreement that he believes has killed player movement, and the NBPA leadership that let it happen.
Why Is Draymond Green So Frustrated With the Current CBA?
Green has made his stance crystal clear: the new NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement has completely destroyed free agency, and he believes the league’s players haven’t been properly informed or protected during the process.
In a candid and wide-ranging series of posts on Threads, the Warriors forward didn’t hold back. He criticized the CBA’s structure, took a pointed swipe at NBPA president CJ McCollum, and expressed frustration about what he sees as a massive disconnect between players and the business side of basketball.
Green opened with a personal reflection, writing:
“Dear Diary, I’m sitting in my mancave having a conversation with my wife. Baffled at the fact that NBA free agency is over. Quite frankly it never really started.”
The veteran forward compared the anticipation leading up to free agency to the excitement surrounding the NBA Finals. However, he argued that the new CBA and its second apron, or hard cap, had “absolutely put an end to Free Agency.”
Draymond Green just had A LOT to say about NBA free agency and the CBA on Threads
Hard to argue with the points he makes here pic.twitter.com/9t1c94u8YL
— Dalton Johnson (@DaltonJ_Johnson) July 8, 2025
Green continued his criticism, stating:
“As we once knew it. Sadly, I sit here and watch so many players overplay the market and not understand what they are up against with the new rules.”
The Warriors star expressed deep concern about how little awareness many players have regarding the league’s economic structure. He added:
“That leads me to trying to understand the unstaggering percentage of guys that has no idea of THE BUSINESS they are apart of.”
What Makes Green Think He Could Have Done Better?
Green positioned himself as someone with extensive experience and insight into the NBA’s business operations. He pointed to his impressive network throughout the league as evidence of his qualifications.
“I am obviously a player, a former amazing general manager is one of my close friends. I am very close with previous owners and current ones. I was introduced to the business at 16 by Joe D,” he wrote, referencing legendary NBA player and executive Joe Dumars. “So yeah all that to say, it’s interesting to watch and also be apart of.”
Taking a direct shot at the current NBPA leadership, Green didn’t mince words:
“I should’ve been the Players association president lol. I could’ve helped a lot.”
Despite his criticisms, Green acknowledged the NBA’s overall structure and praised the relationships among its various stakeholders. However, he kept returning to his central concern about player education and awareness.
“It’s baffling to me how little players know about this business and how it affects them in ways most don’t understand.”
Green made sure to clarify that his frustrations weren’t directed at younger players, specifically mentioning his Warriors teammate Jonathan Kuminga:
“Before y’all run and make this about JK, it isn’t. He’s 22 and will be great and make a bunch of money, so this ain’t got nothing to do with him.”
Green’s extensive commentary reveals what he sees as a widening divide within the league. His remarks echo a growing sentiment that the new CBA has stripped free agency of its excitement and energy, leaving players at a significant disadvantage in the process.
