As a Michigan native, many expected the Detroit Pistons to show interest in Draymond Green when he becomes a free agent this offseason.
The Golden State Warriors utility man has stated that he’s not even concerned about free agency and is only interested in winning a championship right now, but you’d think the Pistons would already be preparing an offer for the Michigan State alum, right?
Maybe not because the Pistons don’t believe Draymond Green is a viable free agent candidate.
Why? Because Green is a restricted free agent and the Pistons believe the Warriors will match any offer he receives:
A person with firsthand knowledge of the Pistons’ off-season plans said signing Green is not realistic because they expect the Warriors, playing in the NBA Finals and working for a new arena, to match any offer sheet. The person, not publicly authorized to discuss the team’s plans, said that the Pistons do not want to tie up salary cap space for 72 hours – the time allotted the Warriors to match any offer – when more easily obtainable free agents might be available.
Golden State has some salary cap issues to take care of thanks to Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, which will likely include the trading of David Lee. Given that, it’s possible a team could get creative with the contract they offer Draymond Green though it does seem unlikely the Warriors will let him walk regardless.
