Green and the Warriors are coming off their spectacular run to the NBA Championship. From the beginning of the season all the way to the end of it, the Warriors were by far the best team in the NBA. Perhaps the number 1 reason for their leap to the NBA’s elite class: the emergence of Draymond Green. In the 2013-2014 season, Green was a role player. A hustle guy, who was utilized to bring energy and play defense off the bench. However, in 2014-2015 Green stepped up in place of an injured David Lee, and proved he could be so much more. Green earned the starting spot and made a name for himself in the NBA. He averaged 11.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks this past season. He also earned himself a spot on the 1st team All NBA Defensive squad. Green took his game to the next level and is now due to get paid. He has expressed his excitement for free agency, and the Hawks have taken interest in him, so what are the odds a deal can get done?
Unfortunately, it is not highly likely the Hawks can get Draymond Green in free agency. He is a restricted free agent, and after the year he just had, the Warriors would be fools to let him walk away. However, the Warriors have a lot of players on their payroll, so they will have to move some pieces around to make the money work. If the Hawks offer enough money to Green, there is a possibility he is playing in the new Hawks uniforms next season.
This is the second big name Power Forward the Hawks have shown public interest in (third if you include the Hawks’ own free agent, Paul Millsap). The Hawks are looking to make a splash in free agency and finally lure a big name free agent to the city. Portland Trail Blazers forward Lamarcus Aldridge would be the ultimate prize for the Hawks, but it would be not be wise to put all our eggs in that basket. The Hawks are clearly weighing all their options, and Green could turn out to be the best fit. He has already shown the ability to hit the three point jumper. His shot has improved in each of his seasons in the NBA. Green is also 4 years younger than Aldridge and 5 years younger than Millsap. He has the most room to grow and could blossom into an all-around superstar in the NBA. His defense is already miles ahead of both Aldridge and Millsap, and if his offensive game can keep improving, he might end up being the best free agent that the Hawks could possibly acquire. Coach Budenholzer loves big men that can stretch the floor and play defense, and no player can do that as effectively as Draymond Green. He would be worth the max money, if the Hawks decided to offer him it. Maybe that would be enough to keep the Warriors from matching the offer.