Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler have both indicated that they would like to finish their careers with the Golden State Warriors, but remaining with the franchise beyond this season could require financial sacrifices.
Both veterans are entering the final year of their current contracts. Green is set to earn $27.7 million this season, while Butler is due $56.8 million.
With Golden State trying to maintain financial flexibility around Stephen Curry, Green and Butler may have to accept smaller deals if they want to remain with the Warriors.
Meanwhile, Gary Payton II isn’t concerned about Golden State receiving limited attention as a Western Conference contender.
He sees similarities between the current situation and the 2021-22 season, when expectations weren’t particularly high before the Warriors went on to win the NBA championship.
“We’re not expected to do anything, but we still got a pretty good veteran core, and we got some talented young guys,” Payton said. “The goal this year, the motto for me, is stay healthy and have fun.”
Golden State has an experienced core and several young players, while Payton is comfortable with the team not being considered a top Western Conference contender.
