Kendrick Perkins, a former NBA champion, stated his wish for Draymond Green to team up with LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the Los Angeles Lakers. The Golden State Warriors are eager to keep Green as he becomes a free agent for the first time in his career. The team recognizes his crucial contributions as the soul and heart of their squad.
Other teams, though, could also be interested in the versatile player. Perkins sees a powerful combination that might help the Lakers succeed in recognizing the potential of Green’s connection with James and Davis.
Kendrick Perkins sheds light on Green’s potential Lakers move
Draymond Green made a significant decision by declining his $27.6 million player option, making him an unrestricted free agent. Kendrick Perkins shared his thoughts on the potential impact of Green joining the Lakers, particularly in countering Nikola Jokic’s dominance.
Perkins stated, “With Jokic being in the Western Conference, being the best player in the league right now, you definitely need a defensive duo like Draymond [Green] & [Anthony Davis]. He could put the Lakers on the top. They got swept all because they could not control or guard Jokic.”
As they were swept in the series, the Lakers’ difficulties with Jokic and the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 Western Conference Finals were clear. Perkins thinks that Green’s defensive skills in combination with Anthony Davis might correct those shortcomings. The Lakers were unable to stop Jokic, who controlled the series, despite Rui Hachimura’s defensive attempts against him.
Perkins emphasized that having Green on the squad would be extremely beneficial for Davis, who is already a top-tier defense. Although Green had a dismal season, so did the Golden State Warriors. Unlike their championship-winning 2021–22 season, the Warriors had inconsistency the whole year.
Draymond Green has averaged 8.5 ppg, 7.2 RPG, and 6.8 APG during the regular season while posting 9.3 points per game, 7.7 rebounds, and 5.7 assists during the second-round series against the Lakers. Green joining the Lakers might help them improve their defense while also balancing out powerful players like Jokic in the Western Conference.
What teams are interested in Draymond Green?
Several clubs have expressed interest in Draymond Green after learning of his plan to opt out of his $27.6 million contract with the Golden State Warriors and become a free agent.
The Detroit Pistons, who have salary cap room, as well as other teams like the Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, Memphis Grizzlies, and Miami Heat, who would have to sign and trade with the Warriors, were mentioned by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski as potential suitors for Green.
Woj says the Grizzlies would have interest, among other teams, in Draymond Green 🤔 pic.twitter.com/ZwbH8UKAkI
— Austin Mat (@buddy_matlock) June 20, 2023
Wojnarowski thinks the Warriors will be able to keep Green despite the interest from other teams because of their close relationship,
“There’s ultimately a magnet between Draymond Green and the Warriors that’ll keep them talking and get them back toward trying to find a deal to keep him in the Bay area.”
What do you think happens this transfer window and where does Draymond Green end up?z Share your ideas with us in the comments.
