After Klay Thompson‘s departure to the Dallas Mavericks, many wondered what the future would hold for the Golden State Warriors and their legends. Despite winning a title in 2022, the Warriors and their core are on the last legs of their championship window. Furthermore, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green previously revealed that retirement was in their near future. However, it now seems that the Warriors may have one of their all-time greats around for a little bit longer than expected.
Per ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk, Green is no longer contemplating retirement after rediscovering his motivation through therapy.
He says he has rediscovered his motivation and no longer contemplates retirement with an assist from therapy and the “DG check-in calls.” “I want people to say, ‘Man, right here was a little bleak. But then look where it went from there.’ And that’s due to because he took accountability,” Green said.
Green spoke about the difficulties of starting therapy due to his upbringing, though he also acknowledged that he is “different” now.
“Starting therapy was f—ing hard,” Green said. “Because I’m from Saginaw, Michigan. I’m from an all-Black neighborhood that you don’t go to therapy or you’re f—ing weak. So you’re retraining a brain that’s been thinking a certain way for 30 years.
“The last thing you do growing up on the north side of Saginaw is [something that is perceived as] weak.”
“Things are totally different,” Green said. “I’m different.”
Golden State Warriors Legend Reveals Major Retirement Plans
Draymond Green’s Previous Retirement Plans
Last March, the Warriors forward spoke with NBA Hall of Famer Paul Pierce and revealed his retirement plans. At the time, Green said he wanted to play “2-3 more” years in the NBA.
With Green’s latest development, it now seems likely he will be in the league for a little while longer. Currently, the 34-year-old has three years remaining on his contract. This includes a $27.7 million player option for the 2026-27 season. It will be interesting to see if he signs an extension ahead of his contract year. Regardless, it seems likely that Green will end his career as a Warriors lifer. When that officially happens, however, remains to be seen.
The Warriors’ Current Standing
After a red-hot start to the season, the Warriors have come back to earth and then some. Despite beginning the year 12-3, Golden State now owns a 19-19 record. They currently stand as the No. 11 seed in the West and are just 0.5 games above the No. 12 seed San Antonio Spurs. Though the Warriors still have a fantastic defense, their offense has taken a huge hit. Since earning a 12-3 record, the Warriors’ have a 109 offensive rating. This ranks as the fourth-worst in the league over that span. If they cannot turn things around soon, the Warriors are in real danger of missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
