Draymond Green nearly left Warriors for Grizzlies in 2023

NBA All-Star Draymond Green has revealed that he was close to leaving the Golden State Warriors for the Memphis Grizzlies during the summer of 2023. Speaking on ‘The Draymond Green Show’, the veteran defender explained that he used a concrete offer from Memphis as leverage during contract negotiations with Golden State.

Green noted that the Grizzlies offered approximately $10 million more per year than the Warriors' initial proposal. To apply pressure, Green informed the Warriors' management of his intent to join Memphis via a sign-and-trade deal. While the Warriors initially entered negotiations with the Grizzlies, the process became complicated as Golden State adjusted their requirements.

Ultimately, the negotiations signaled to Green that the Warriors were committed to retaining him. This led to him signing a four-year, $100 million contract extension to remain in San Francisco.