LeBron James’ Advice to Draymond Green on Staying with the Warriors

In the NBA, loyalty and legacy often compete with new opportunities and lucrative offers. Draymond Green, a cornerstone of the Golden State Warriors, recently faced this crossroads as he considered leaving the franchise that saw him through four championships. With tempting offers on the table, Green’s decision to remain a Warrior ultimately came down to the advice of a close friend and rival: LeBron James.

Draymond Green’s Temptation to Join the Memphis Grizzlies

After years of dedication to the Warriors, Green weighed the prospect of a fresh start in June 2023 as a free agent. The Memphis Grizzlies made a compelling offer, tempting Green with a three-year, $105 million contract. Compared to Golden State’s four-year, $100 million offer, the Grizzlies’ deal stood out with its added benefits, including no state taxes. For the first time, Green, like his longtime teammate Klay Thompson, considered what it might be like to pursue a new path.

A Friendship and Rivalry with LeBron James

Green’s friendship with LeBron James is rooted in mutual respect and a shared competitive history. While attending Paris Fashion Week, Draymond found himself wrestling with his decision, making calls to his agent, Rich Paul, and Warriors executives Mike Dunleavy and Joe Lacob. LeBron, who was at his side during this moment, became a guiding voice in Green’s deliberations.

Value What You’ve Built

When Green turned to LeBron with a direct question—“What would you do?”—James responded with wisdom that only a veteran like him could offer. LeBron acknowledged the financial allure but reminded Green of the special bond he had with Golden State. “He keeps going back to everything Golden State means to me, everything that I’ve done there,” Green recalled. LeBron’s point was clear: What the Warriors have built is unique and nearly irreplaceable. Choosing to stay would mean continuing to contribute to a legacy he had a central role in creating.

James went further, challenging Green to think about the depth of legacy he and his teammates had already achieved. “You can go to Memphis and do great things… but is it as special as y’all have done?” LeBron asked. For Green, this perspective held weight. It underscored the uniqueness of what he had accomplished with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, players with whom he shared a remarkable synergy.

LeBron’s Perspective from a Rival’s Eyes

LeBron’s perspective was even more impactful given that he had often been on the opposite side of the Warriors’ success. Having battled against Golden State in multiple NBA Finals series, LeBron understood the significance of their accomplishments. “That’s also someone that, in what’s special that we’ve done, a lot of it he was on the wrong side of,” Green said, reflecting on the moment.

Green found LeBron’s counsel to be uniquely insightful. As someone who had left and then returned to a franchise he valued (James’ own journey from Cleveland to Miami and back), LeBron could empathize with Green’s dilemma. This advice from a friend, rival, and fellow champion was both profound and decisive.

Choosing Legacy Over Change

In the end, LeBron’s wisdom resonated with Green, prompting him to choose loyalty to the Warriors over the prospect of joining a new team. By staying with Golden State, Green ensured that he, Curry, and Thompson could continue their journey together. His decision reaffirmed the Warriors’ core identity and gave fans hope for more iconic moments from their championship trio.

A Friend’s Advice, A Legacy Preserved

LeBron’s advice reminded Draymond Green of the irreplaceable bond he shares with the Warriors. While the allure of Memphis was tempting, the value of loyalty and legacy ultimately led him to remain with Golden State. In choosing to stay, Green honors his history with the Warriors, a decision that will undoubtedly be celebrated by both the franchise and its fans.

By keeping their core intact, the Warriors continue to stand strong in the competitive NBA landscape—ready to add to their legacy with each new season.