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Draymond Green is returning to the Golden State Warriors after agreeing to a one-year, $27.7 million contract, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Tuesday. The deal matches the value of the player option Green declined earlier in the offseason to give Golden State financial flexibility during its pursuit of LeBron James.

Green’s decision to opt out was made with the Warriors hoping to create enough flexibility to add James in free agency. Golden State’s longstanding relationships with Stephen Curry and Green were viewed as potential advantages in recruiting the four-time NBA champion, but James ultimately signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, ending the Warriors’ pursuit.

With James unavailable, Golden State shifted its focus back toward retaining the veteran core that produced four championships. Bringing back Green preserves the defensive foundation and playmaking presence that has been central to the franchise’s success under head coach Steve Kerr.

The 36-year-old forward remains one of the NBA’s most influential defenders despite declining offensive numbers. During the 2025-26 season, Green started all 68 games he played, averaging 8.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.6 blocks in 27.5 minutes per game.

Green’s value has continued to come from his defensive versatility, communication and ability to organize the Warriors’ system. Over his 14-year career, all with Golden State, he has averaged 8.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 949 regular-season games.

The former second-round pick has built one of the strongest résumés of his generation, earning four NBA championships, the 2017 Defensive Player of the Year award, four All-Star selections and eight All-Defensive Team honors. His return keeps him alongside Curry as the two longest-tenured pieces of the Warriors’ dynasty.

Golden State is coming off a difficult 2025-26 season, finishing 37-45 and entering the postseason through the Western Conference Play-In Tournament before falling short of a playoff run. Injuries significantly affected the team, with Curry appearing in only 43 games and Jimmy Butler playing 38 games before suffering a torn ACL in January.

Curry remained productive when healthy, averaging 26.6 points per game while shooting 46.8% from the field and 39.3% from three-point range. Butler averaged 20.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists before his injury, while Brandin Podziemski provided consistency by appearing in all 82 games and averaging 13.8 points.

The Warriors also added young talent in the 2026 NBA Draft, selecting forward Yaxel Lendeborg with the No. 11 overall pick and LaJae Jones in the second round. The franchise will look to develop those players while maintaining its veteran leadership with Green, Curry and Butler.