Rumors of Draymond Green joining the Mavericks are farfetched

The Dallas Mavericks are trying to build an annual title contender around Luka Doncic, but it is still a work in progress. They reached the conference finals last year before falling to the eventual champion Golden State Warriors. It was a surprising run and few are predicted Dallas will make it back, but it is often a mistake to count out number 77.

Dubs forward Draymond Green admitted this summer that Luka is his favorite player to watch, and the four-time champion has often been a supporter of the Mavericks star, but would he consider leaving the Warriors to join Doncic in Dallas?

Rumors suggest that Draymond would “love to” play with Luka on the Mavericks if things do not work out in Golden State, but fans should take all that with a grain of salt for several reasons.

Rumors of Draymond Green joining the Mavericks are farfetched

Green is set to make $25.8 million this season, and he has a player option worth $27.5 million for next year. The 32-year-old forward wants to finish his career with the Golden State Warriors, but they are facing a cap crunch. Green is one of four players due new contracts over the next two years, and paying all of them could push the Dubs payroll over $500 million when factoring in the luxury tax penalties. Golden State has zero issues paying the tax, but at some point, there has to be a threshold.

Why would the Warriors let Green walk? He has been the heart and soul of their defense through four title runs. Golden State just won the championship last year, and it was clear how important Green was to their success. Why would the Warriors let him walk?

Even if Green hits free agency next summer, the Dallas Mavericks are projected to be over the salary cap, so they would have to work out a sign-and-trade or shed salary to create room. The Warriors are not going to want to take on money if Green leaves, so they will need to make things work with a third team.

Going further, is 33-year-old Draymond Green the player Dallas wants to go all-in for as they try to build a title contender around Luka Doncic? The former Defensive Player of the Year would likely re-sign with the Warriors if the maximum offer he receives is $25 million per season. Green will want a raise to join a new team, and adding in the draft pick compensation, he would be the Mavericks' second star through the length of his new four-year deal. Does Dallas want to pay $30-plus million per season to Draymond when he is over 35 years old?

Draymond Green is a massive Luka Doncic supporter, but the rumors of him coming to Dallas to play for the Mavericks are farfetched. The Warriors are a team to watch closely as they navigate a tricky cap situation. Will the Mavs be able to capitalize on the Dubs trimming salary? Stay tuned to find out.