The Golden State Warriors have pulled off two stunning fourth-quarter comebacks in their last three games — erasing double-digit deficits against the Phoenix Suns and Memphis Grizzlies — despite being without Stephen Curry (runner’s knee), Jimmy Butler (season-ending ACL tear), and Kristaps Porziņģis (still awaiting debut post-trade).
In both wins, Draymond Green played only 24 minutes total — and notably sat the bench during the decisive closing stretches. Coach Steve Kerr opted for lineups anchored by Al Horford and young forward Gui Santos, who delivered lockdown defense and timely plays.
This pattern is raising serious questions about Green’s current role and future with the team — especially with his $27.7 million player option looming this summer.
Jan 30, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) reacts after the Warriors committed a turnover against the Detroit Pistons in the first quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
The Growing Draymond Dilemma
At 35 years old, Green remains a defensive anchor and vocal leader, but his on-court impact has noticeably declined in key moments:
Turnovers remain a persistent issue (tied for 9th in NBA in turnovers per 36 minutes entering Monday; 7 turnovers in the Memphis game alone).Limited closing minutes — Kerr has repeatedly chosen stability and spacing (Horford + Santos) over Green in crunch time.Offensive limitations — Without Curry to bail him out, Green’s passing and decision-making are under more scrutiny.
The recent benchings during comebacks aren’t one-offs — they signal a shift in trust. Green’s defensive IQ and leadership are still valuable, but the Warriors have found more reliable closing lineups without him on the floor.
The Contract Reality This Summer
Green holds a $27.7 million player option for 2026-27. He faces two paths — both problematic:
Opt in → Guarantees the money but leaves him at the mercy of the Warriors. If his role continues to shrink or the team wants to retool, he could be traded (something he has no control over).Opt out → Tests free agency, but at 36 years old (turning 37 in 2026), offers are unlikely to approach even half his current salary — especially with recent on-court trends.
Either way, Green — a four-time All-Star, four-time champion, and franchise legend — is in an uncomfortable position. Staying could mean reduced role or trade risk; leaving almost certainly means a significant pay cut and new team.
Why This Is a Problem for Both Sides
For Green: He’s earned the right to finish his career on his terms, but the current trajectory risks him being seen as a negative-value player in late-game situations despite his intangibles.For the Warriors: Losing Green’s leadership and defense would hurt, but keeping him at full salary while limiting his minutes creates cap and roster inefficiency. They need his buy-in and production — but Kerr’s recent decisions suggest trust is eroding.
What’s Next
Short-term: Curry’s return (post-break) and Porziņģis’ debut (earliest Feb. 19 vs. Boston) should ease pressure on Green and allow Kerr to experiment with lineups.Long-term: Green must rediscover efficiency and trust in high-leverage minutes. If not, the Warriors may need to move on — whether via trade (if he opts in) or letting him walk (if he opts out).
This isn’t just about one player — it’s about the Warriors’ identity as Curry’s window closes. Green has been the heart of that identity for over a decade. The next few months will determine whether he remains part of the final chapter or becomes a bittersweet memory.
Warriors fans — is Draymond still a net positive in crunch time, or has his role legitimately shrunk for good? Would you want him back on the player option, or is it time for both sides to move on? Drop your thoughts below — this is one of the biggest stories heading into the break and summer.