Warriors' Green on free agency: 'I don't want to pretend I'm going anywhere'
A potential dynasty may be brewing in Golden State after the Warriors knocked off the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, earning the franchise its first championship since 1975.
Draymond Green, who's set to enter restricted free agency this summer, wants everyone to know he has every intention of remaining a Warrior for the foreseeable future.
"I don't want to pretend I'm going anywhere," Green said to KNBR's Larry Krueger and Gary Radnich, via Bay Area News Group's Diamond Leung.
If that wasn't enough assurance on Green's part, he later told Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News that "I'll be here," when asked specifically if he'd remain with the Warriors next season.
"I love this group of guys," he added.
The 25-year-old forward saved his best postseason performance for last, dropping a triple-double (the first in Warriors playoff history since Guy Rodgers in 1962) of 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in 41 minutes at Quicken Loans Arena on Tuesday night.
Prior to Game 6, Executive of the Year Bob Myers told the media that Warriors fans "shouldn't worry" about the team not matching offers for the third-year pro.
"He has tremendous value," Myers said of Green. "I think that's apparent to anyone who watches our team. It's apparent to us. There's a lot that he does that people don't even see, that's off the court, as far as being a leader in the ways that he is."
Green finished second in both NBA Defensive Player of the Year and Most Improved Player voting, averaging 11.7 points and 8.2 rebounds with a defensive rating of 96 during the regular season.
He could realistically sign a short-term deal, knowing the salary cap will increase significantly in 2016-17. Then again, his value is so high that he may go with more of a sure thing and look to cash in now.
The Warriors will look to move power forward David Lee this summer.
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