June 29 (UPI) — Draymond Green declined his player option, giving the Golden State Warriors flexibility for a reported pursuit of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Sources told ESPN, The Athletic and the San Francisco Chronicle that Green declined the $27.6 million option Monday morning.
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The 36-year-old is expected to re-sign with the franchise, but the move gives the Warriors flexibility this off-season to rebuild their starting lineup around star guard Stephon Curry.
Sources told ESPN and Yahoo Sports that the Warriors are attempting to trade for Davis and to sign James through free agency.
Green, James and Davis are all represented by agent Rich Paul. The Klutch Sports CEO said earlier this month that he received calls from at least 10 teams interested in acquiring James.
With Green unsigned, the Warriors now have the flexibility to sign James to a mid-level exception, worth about $15 million. A trade for Davis would likely require parting with forward Jimmy Butler — and several first-round draft picks.
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All NBA player and team options must be decided upon by 5 p.m. EDT Monday. NBA franchises can start negotiating with upcoming free agents Tuesday. Free agents can be signed starting at 12:01 p.m. EDT July 6.
Green averaged 8.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game over 68 appearances in 2025-26, his 14th season with the Warriors.
James, who played on a $52.6 million player option last season, averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game over 60 appearances in 2025 for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Sources told ESPN on Monday that the Lakers have yet to speak with the 41-year-old about his return, but that is expected to change due to the Warriors’ recent moves. James also has not publicly stated if he plans to retire or play a record-extending 24th season in the NBA.
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Davis, who teamed up with James’ Lakers to win a championship in 2019-20, is set to make $58.4 million in 2026-27. The 33-year-old Washington Wizards forward/center has a player option of $62.7 million in 2027-28.
Davis averaged 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.7 blocks per game over 20 appearances last season for the Dallas Mavericks. He missed the majority of the season due to a hand injury. Davis joined the Wizards through a February trade.
Butler, who missed the majority of the 2025-26 season due to a torn ACL, is entering the final year of his contract. He is set to make $56.8 million next season. The 36-year-old averaged 20 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game over 38 appearances last season.
