How the “stomp” could impact the NBA offseason

A prevailing thought has seemingly hung over the Golden St Warriors season. Call it the “Last Dance Syndrome”. The idea that a ballooning record high payroll. Combined with Draymond Green’s impending free agency. These would force the Warriors to finally make some tough financial decisions. They would have to blow things up.

I will agree that the writing is definitely on the wall. It doesn’t look good right now. Pro sports owners are generally not very sympathetic figures. Joe Lacob has earned his fair share of scorn. However if he was looking for an out. Here it is. I don’t think many would criticize him for not wanting to pay nearly a half a Billion dollars for an aging team who cannot even get out of the first round.

That being said— it’s not quite that simple. Additionally all these factors were changed with one fell swoop— or shall I say stomp? Let’s get one thing clear. I think the suspension is a joke. Not Joe Dumars finest moment. However the suspension and possible sweep changes the calculus quite a bit. Primarily due to the personality of the offending party. An analysis of the misconceptions surrounding Draymond Green provide a map as to how this offseason might not go as many are planning.

Misconception #1: Draymond is not really a free agent

Professional athletes love to be free agents. This is not a news flash. As many as seven teams could have significant salary cap space. Including Green’s home state Detroit Pistons. Even if they were to take a pass. Surely someone would take a chance. If not he could use a team to leverage a sign-and-trade to his desired location.

Alas the devil is always in the details. Green actually holds a 27 million dollar player option. However players of his caliber have often declined it for added years of security. At the age of 33 this certainly seems like the sensible career move.

However Draymond is a controversial and sometimes insensible player. Additionally his skill set as a non shooter do not appear to be conducive to winning basketball. Those two factors place him firmly in the category of two high profile players. They are also the most recent players to pick up their options. You might have heard of them. A certain Kyrie Irving and Russell Westbrook.

How do these decisions look a year later? Irving’s many foibles are for another day and another column. Just know this. After all the chaos he has wrought. He appears on track to get paid this offseason.

Westbrook’s situation is a little more nuanced. While his stay with Lakers was polarizing. Let’s apply a little perspective. He was compensated to the tune of 47 million dollars. He was able to play in his hometown. After his subsequent trade and release. He was able pick his new team. Not surprisingly he chose to stay in his hometown and same arena to continue to play for a championship contender. I might be in the minority on this. But with his recent play and possible playoff success. He is going to get paid by someone. Probably even the Clippers.

Similarly to Westbrook. Whether right or wrong. One of the things that has defined Green is a stubborn belief in himself. If Draymond doesn’t want to leave the Warriors— and I don’t believe he does. He simply doesn’t have to.

Here is where the “stomp” comes into play. If that act serves as the last straw for the franchise. Especially after the preseason Jordan Poole punch. Frankly the Warriors do not have much leverage. If they don’t want to extend him. He has proven obstinate enough to say “tough, I’ll take my money and stay right here”. I would go as far to say a Warriors hard line would even make this situation more likely. Most players would take offense or feel slighted. Green has felt slighted his whole career. Just another day at that office. Honestly in an Aaron Rodgers fashion. Might even make him a better player

Misconception #2: Draymond has always been a shrewd businessman off the court

It is irrefutable that Green’s emotions have often gotten him in trouble on the court. That belies the fact that away from the court. He has made some enlightening business decisions. Whatever you think of this particular brand. He is the face of Converse and has his own shoe line. Not many players can say that. He has also clearly and contractually positioned himself for a post playing career within the media. As one of the first athletes to have his own podcast. He has nearly spawned an entire industry.

Once again you can debate the merits or successes of these ventures. But you cannot say he has not been forward thinking. When the dust and emotions of this season settle. Draymond will do what’s best for his brand. As much as I would enjoy the narrative. That is not returning to Michigan to kick start a possible Pistons rebuild. He will always remain relevant in Golden St. For that reason. I think he will stay.

Misconception #3: Draymond has always taken responsibility for his actions

This might be the controversial one. This is also going to be filled with a lot of “ifs”. If the Golden St Warriors are swept by Sacramento Kings. If Jordan Poole continues to struggle. If James Wiseman continues to show promise with the Pistons. Do you know who will step forward to take the blame for it….. I don’t think I need to answer the question.

Disagree? He was criticized for the grandiosity of the statement. But who stepped up to take the blame for the Warriors blowing a 3-1 lead to Cavs? I’ll give you a hint. It wasn’t Steph or Klay. You can look it up. You might have preferred a more groveling apology tour after the Poole incident. But did Green deflect any blame in that situation? I can’t imagine other players of his ilk taking the same approach.

Here is where the “stomp” comes into play once again. If this season ends how it appears it’s going to. This Tom Izzo disciple isn’t going to chase money and rings in another situation. It’s not how he is wired. He will want to fix the mess he might believe he caused. He sees himself as leader. It’s why his fan base and teammates love him. Once again the “stomp” increases the odds that he stays.

Why does This matter?

Why does fourth option at best on a first round playoff team matter? It’s as simple as this. If the Warriors continue to be all in. The rest of the Western conference is going to be all in. The Lakers are trading that 2029 first round pick. Steve Ballmer and Mat Ishbia are going to keep paying those luxury tax bills. Luka isn’t leaving Dallas anytime soon. You could argue that all of this was happening no matter Draymond decides. However as the new CBA has shown. The rest of the league has a desire to curb high payrolls. While that is coming eventually. Draymond Green’s decision could single-handedly kick that can down the road a little while longer.

This might not age well. But you can cue up the DiCaprio/Jordan Belfort memes. Because at the end of the day. Draymond is going to lean into the microphone. Look at Steph and Klay and say “I’m not leaving”.