Air Alamo
FanSided

San Antonio Spurs free-agent predictions: Danny Green

By Rob Wolkenbrod

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 04: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers guards Danny Green #14 of the San Antonio Spurs as he drives to the basket in the second half of the game at Staples Center on April 4, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 04: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers guards Danny Green #14 of the San Antonio Spurs as he drives to the basket in the second half of the game at Staples Center on April 4, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

With Danny Green potentially set to hit the open market, let’s predict if he will return to the San Antonio Spurs.

Among the San Antonio Spurs’ potential free agents is Danny Green, a member of the organization since the 2010-11 season. He won a championship with them in 2014 and started at least 50 games each of the past six seasons.

While Green can hit free agency, he also has the choice to return to the team. That’s due to the fourth year player option the Spurs gave him in 2015, when a contract extension was handed out. This option is worth $10 million, identical to his salary from each of the 2015-18 seasons.

Will this salary be enough for Green? Or will he depart for a fresh contract, whether it’s from the Spurs or another organization?

Recent history

Since Green signed the contract extension, his offensive numbers took a dip. He did not cross 40 percent shooting in any of the three seasons, but still managed to keep his 3-point mark above 33 percent.

More from Spurs Free Agency

Despite playing in over 25 minutes per game, the UNC product has not reached double-digit points since the final year before his extension. The numbers were 7.2, 7.3 and 8.9 points per game in 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18, respectively.

Age

At age 30, it’s still young enough for Green to get a multi-year contract. He might not offer much on the offensive side, but teams might desire him enough as a “3-and-D” player, or someone who spaces the floor and plays quality defense at the opposite end.

Green had a 104 Defensive Rating, which ranked 21st in the NBA. That’s an excellent number, so it would not be a surprise to see a team willing to cash-in before his career starts to wind down.

Future role

If Green returns to the Spurs, he should have a spot available amongst their shooting guard depth, especially if Bryn Forbes leaves in restricted free agency. That may mean another starting spot, unless the coaching staff feels confident to give a younger player, or someone from outside the organization, a main role.

However, if the Spurs look to make changes after a quick exit from the playoffs, could Green be on the move, even if he opts in?

Next: Top 25 players in SAS history

Prediction

This could be one of Green’s final chances at long-term financial stability. He will be 31 when free agency starts, which gives him even more reason to seek an extended deal. Our projection sees him opt out and receive a contract elsewhere.

Home/San Antonio Spurs Free Agency