Should Mavericks be all-in if Warriors move on from Draymond Green?

The Dallas Mavericks are still searching for a second star to pair with Luka Doncic. They took a chance on Kristaps Porzingis just months into number 77’s tenure with the team, but things never worked out. Doncic became a superstar and one of the best players in the world, but the Unicorn failed to stay healthy, and the duo never meshed. The Mavs traded KP for Spencer Dinwiddie at last season’s trade deadline.

To make matters worse, Jalen Brunson departed in free agency after a breakout fourth NBA season that saw him average over 21 points per game in the playoffs. The Knicks offered him north of $100 million, and it was just too good to pass up. Dallas rebounded by upgrading their frontcourt this offseason, but they do not have a second star on their roster.

The Mavs are a bit limited as they still owe the Knicks a first-round pick from the original Kristaps Porzingis trade. That obligation will likely be gone next summer, and that opens the door for Dallas to acquire a star, and Draymond Green appears to be one of the best names available.

Warriors tax bill could force Draymond Green's departure when Dallas Mavericks have assets

Golden State extended both Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins on the eve of the 2022-23 regular season. The two new deals could push the Warriors close to $500 million in salary and luxury tax penalties if they keep Draymond beyond this season. Green has a $27.5 million player option for the 2023-24 campaign and keeping him at the number likely moves the Dubs (subscription required) beyond where they are willing to go in salary.

Green has three options. He can opt-out and test the open market next summer, opt-in and likely be traded to limit the Warriors' tax burden, or opt-out and sign a long-term contract at a lower dollar value. If Green wants to get paid, he will have to do it somewhere else.

The Warriors are likely to keep Draymond Green through their title defense this season, but next summer, all bets are off. Dallas will have assets to deal at that point, but they will not have cap space. Should the Mavericks be all-in on trying to convince the heart and soul of the Warriors defense through their four championships in eight years to come to Dallas?

Should Dallas Mavericks be all-in on acquiring Draymond Green?

Green has been effusive in his praise of Mavs superstar Luka Doncic, and the 32-year-old has been linked to Dallas for months.

Draymond is a proven winner and one of the best defenders in the league, but he is not the perfect fit next to Luka. Green is an elite passer, but he would be the team’s secondary playmaker behind Doncic. When the 6’6 forward does not have the ball, he could set screens, but Green is not an elite roll man, and he is a career 31.5 percent 3-point shooter.

Green has struggled to stay healthy in two of the last three seasons where he has played 43 and 46 games. Does Dallas want to go down that path again? They traded Kristaps Porzingis in part because he could not stay healthy, and acquiring Green presents a similar risk.

Draymond Green would be a significant upgrade for the Dallas Mavericks, but should they be willing to pay him $30-plus million per year over the next four seasons? Is he worth that price at 35-plus years old? The Mavs should not be all-in, but if they can acquire Green on the cheap or on a short-term contract, they should be interested. Head coach Jason Kidd could figure out the fit, and he would help Green thrive in Dallas, but the price needs to be correct.

Could Dallas Mavericks benefit in other ways from Draymond Green leaving the Warriors?

Golden State will not just seamlessly replace Green if he leaves. The 6’6 forward has been the engine of their defense, and his ability to play the five keyed their “death lineups”. Green seven assists per game last season were tied for 15th in the league, and there is no replacing his energy and ability to change the game.

The Warriors will be worse if they let Draymond go, and that benefits Dallas. The Mavs are looking to be an annual title contender with Luka Doncic leading their charge, so any team in the Western Conference taking even a small step backward is a plus.

Without Green, the Warriors will struggle to defend Dallas. The Dubs used Andrew Wiggins as the primary defender versus Luka Doncic in last year’s Western Conference Finals, but Green’s ability to guard Jalen Brunson and switch on any player was massive. Without him, Luka will pick his matchup, and Golden State might not have enough capable defenders to stay afloat.

Where Draymond lands and for what cost could also impact Dallas. The Rudy Gobert trade this offseason drove up the market price and made it nearly impossible for any team to acquire another star without giving up a massive haul of draft picks and young talent. If Draymond gets traded for significantly less, that could help Dallas acquire a star at a more reasonable price.

The Draymond Green saga in Golden State is just beginning. Fans should not expect him to get a new deal after the Warriors extended Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins. If he becomes available next summer, can the Dallas Mavericks pounce? Stay tuned to find out.