Projecting Landing Spots for Warriors' Top Free Agents

The Golden State Warriors are in a place where subtraction isn't so much a question of if but rather how much during each NBA offseason.

Last summer, fresh off of their title run, they saw veterans like Otto Porter Jr., Gary Payton II, Nemanja Bjelica and Juan Toscano-Anderson skip town in free agency. It's possible they'll see another small exodus this summer.

Then again, this could be an offseason of sweeping change depending on how a certain four-time champion chooses to handle a big player option.

We'll break down that situation and others while spotlighting and projecting three of Golden State's top free agents.

Donte DiVincenzo (Player Option)

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SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 7: Donte DiVincenzo #0 of the Golden State Warriors smiles during the game against the Sacramento Kings on April 7, 2023 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

Donte DiVincenzo suffered a torn ligament in his left ankle during the 2021 playoffs, and it clearly impacted his play during the following season. That's why the league forced him to settle for a two-year, prove-it pact with Golden State last summer.

Well, he proved plenty during his first—and potentially last—season with the Warriors. In fact, he had such a productive run that declining the $4.7 million player option he holds for 2023-24, per Spotrac, feels like a no-brainer.

He was a steady supplier of energy, and then he filled in the cracks where needed as a shot-maker, slasher, point-of-attack stopper and secondary playmaker. His 59.3 true shooting percentage towered over his previous best of 55.7, per Basketball Reference.

Plenty of teams could use his win-now talents. Too many of them, actually, for the Warriors to afford to bring him back.

Prediction: DiVincenzo declines player option and signs with the Utah Jazz.

Draymond Green (Player Option)

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PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 9: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors stands for the National Anthem before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on April 9, 2023 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)

Draymond Green has a $27.6 million player option for next season. It's certainly possible the 33-year-old will duck out of that deal in search of the last significant contract of his career.

Then again, there is virtually no chance he'll sniff out a salary of similar value on the open market. He is a dynamic defender and productive passer, but he's also incredibly limited as a scorer and shooter. That was his fifth consecutive season averaging single-digit points and seventh year in a row with a three-point percentage under 31.

There are also lingering questions about Green's ability to be a star outside of this system and away from Stephen Curry. He has been a championship-level co-star with Golden State, but in a different environment maybe his limitations would be too...well, limiting.

He may have a different read on things, but it sure feels like his highest salary and best system fit will both be found with the Warriors.

Prediction: Green picks up player option to stay in Golden State.

JaMychal Green (Unrestricted)

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PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 9: JaMychal Green #1 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball during the game on April 9, 2023 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)

JaMychal Green looked like a great fit in Golden State when he signed last summer.

He wound up a lot closer to fine.

He revived his three-point accuracy (37.8 percent, up from 26.6 the previous season), but he didn't take enough of them to move the needle as a spacer (1.9 attempts per outing). He had a quiet season on the glass, offered very little playmaking and was more solid than spectacular on defense.

He didn't do enough to make the Warriors definitely want him to bring him back, but he may have shown enough for someone else to sign him for more than Golden State can pay.

Prediction: Green signs with the Indiana Pacers.