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Wednesday May 01, 2024

Kyrie Irving commits to Dallas, Draymond Green re-signs with Warriors in NBA Free Agency

Green agreed to a four-year contract worth $100 million to remain with the Golden State Warriors

By Web Desk
July 01, 2023
Draymond Green, left, and Kyrie Irving, right, agreed to long-term deals to stay with their most recent clubs as NBA free agency began for the 2023-24 season began. AFP/File
Draymond Green, left, and Kyrie Irving, right, agreed to long-term deals to stay with their most recent clubs as NBA free agency began for the 2023-24 season began. AFP/File

In a flurry of early activity as NBA free agency commenced, Draymond Green and Kyrie Irving both secured lucrative deals to stay with their respective teams.  

Green agreed to a four-year contract worth $100 million to remain with the Golden State Warriors, while Irving committed to a three-year deal worth $126 million to continue his tenure with the Dallas Mavericks.

The Warriors' decision to retain Green solidifies their core alongside Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, as they aim to reclaim their championship form. Green's versatility and defensive prowess have been instrumental to Golden State's success over the years. With this new deal, he is poised to continue his pursuit of more championships alongside his teammates.

Meanwhile, Irving's decision to remain in Dallas signifies his commitment to playing alongside young star Luka Doncic. Despite a tumultuous season in Brooklyn, Irving's talent and playmaking abilities are undeniable. His presence in the Mavericks' backcourt alongside Doncic is set to ignite excitement and create opportunities for a deep playoff run.

"Love seeing guys getting paid," remarked Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum, expressing his support for the players securing lucrative contracts.

The flurry of activity on the opening night of free agency underscored the significant financial investments being made by teams across the league. Notable signings included Jerami Grant's five-year, $160 million deal with the Portland Trail Blazers and Kyle Kuzma's four-year, $102 million agreement with the Washington Wizards.

The Milwaukee Bucks, fresh off their NBA championship, successfully retained Khris Middleton with a three-year, $102 million contract. Middleton's decision is seen as a strategic move to ensure the team's continued success and potentially retain their star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, when he becomes a free agent in 2025.

As the dust settles on the opening night of free agency, the fate of several players remains uncertain. Center Brook Lopez's future with the Bucks is yet to be determined, and there are ongoing trade discussions involving Philadelphia 76ers' star James Harden.

With the NBA salary cap set for the 2023-24 season, teams now have a clearer understanding of their financial flexibility as they navigate the remaining free agency period. As fans eagerly await further moves and announcements, the landscape of the league is expected to shift, setting the stage for an exciting upcoming season.

In the words of an anonymous league insider, "This is just the beginning. There are still plenty of surprises and blockbuster deals yet to come."