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By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
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The LeBron James sweepstakes officially ended with the Philadelphia 76ers winning the prize of the NBA legend signing to play for them in the next two seasons.
With that, several other suitors are back to the drawing board regarding their offseason plans, including the Golden State Warriors, who at one point in the past week or so rose to the top of the odds to land James.
One of the big stories that arrived with their attempt to clear up room to make moves on their roster was four-time champion and former NBA Defensive Player of the Year Draymond Green, who declined his player option on his contract. Green did that so Golden State had more flexibility to pursue another big player, such as Anthony Davis, to bring James to the Warriors.
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Since that didn't work out, The Athletic's Joe Vardon and David Aldridge reported Saturday that Golden State plans to sign Green to an approximately $28 million contract extension, which is around what he gave up when he opted out.
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Green, 36, is entering his 15th season with the Warriors and is a consistent contributor, even if his numbers are down from earlier in his career. Last season saw him average 8.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game.
The 2017 Defensive Player of the Year previously indicated he tried to recruit James a bit during their golfing excursion to Puerto Rico. However, it appeared that probably wasn't enough to sway King James.
It's believed that James and his agent chose the best situation for the NBA great in Philadelphia, albeit one that brings accusations of "ring chasing." James now joins a lineup that features rising young star VJ Edgecombe and All-Stars Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, and Joel Embiid.
Adding the 41-year-old James has immediately made Philly one of the NBA's top contenders, at least in the Eastern Conference.
Meanwhile, the Warriors are an older dynasty that has lost its luster. While Stephen Curry is still exciting to watch as he dazzles and delights on the court, they seem to lack the necessary pieces to contend, especially in the Western Conference.
However, Jimmy Butler should be back healthy after his season-ending injury this past January. In addition, big man Kristaps Porzingis will create a star-studded lineup in Golden State. Unfortunately, it isn't going to be enough to topple teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs.
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