Draymond Green turned down a significantly more sizable offer from Memphis to stay with Steph.
The Golden State Warriors lost an iconic member of the franchise this past offseason when Klay Thompson left in free agency to sign with the Dallas Mavericks. However, it was just a year prior that another core member of the Warriors recent dynastic run nearly left the franchise in free agency. When forward Draymond Green was a free agent following the 2022-23 season, Green strongly considered signing with the Memphis Grizzlies. During a recent appearance on The Warner Podcast, hosted by San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner, Green revealed the specific deal he turned down from Memphis.
“On the table I had from Memphis three for $105 [million],” Green said. “I only signed four for $100 [million] with the Warriors. You know what I’m saying? It was a big money difference. No state taxes in Tennessee.”
Assuming Green is accurately recalling the details, he foregoed a significant chunk of change to return to Golden State. While he received a longer-term contract with the Warriors, he would have made more than $32.6 million more in Memphis during his contract. Then, he would have returned to free agency. Green is only in his second season under his deal, but does seem in good position to secure another 8-figure payday in a couple offseasons.
On top of the disparity in salary, also would have paid significantly less in taxes. Tennessee has no state income tax, while California has a top income bracket just north of 13%. In other words, Green is paying roughly an additional $13 million in taxes on his contract that he would have been able to keep in Memphis.
No one should shed any tears about Green’s foregoed salary. His on-court talents ensured that he was going to receive an astronomical amount of money regardless of his decision. Most importantly, despite his noteworthy emotional swings, Green has done nothing to suggest he has misgivings about his decision to stay with the Warriors since re-signing. Still, no one would have blamed Green if he had chosen the more financially lucrative option in free agency. It speaks to the unique relationship the Warriors franchise has built with prominent players that Green stayed.
