Draymond Green Says Past Finals Showdowns Blocked Warriors’ Bid for LeBron James
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San Francisco — Draymond Green believes the Golden State Warriors’ long postseason rivalry with LeBron James prevented the franchise from convincing the four-time MVP to relocate to the Bay Area.
During the latest episode of “The Draymond Green Show,” released the same day he finalized a one-year, $27.7 million deal to stay with Golden State, the forward said James “wasn’t able to get over the history” of facing the Warriors in four consecutive NBA Finals from 2015 through 2018.
“I ultimately don’t think Bron was ever able to get over the history,” Green said, according to NBC Sports Bay Area. “That’s the hurdle to get over. I don’t think it’s the team, the organization, anything else. I think it’s the history.”
Green added that public backlash likely played a significant role in James’ decision, noting critics would accuse the 39-year-old of teaming up with Stephen Curry and joining the very franchise that helped define his career. “He’s gonna get crushed if he comes to the Warriors,” Green said. “All the things people would have said … that weighed in on the decision a lot.”
Golden State had cleared salary space earlier in the offseason in pursuit of James, but the veteran forward ultimately agreed to a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. Green, who was among the players actively recruiting him, argued that concerns over legacy and perception proved decisive. “Had he come to the Warriors, that would have been something everyone tried to use to tear his legacy down,” he said.
The comments offer a glimpse into Golden State’s unsuccessful courtship as the franchise keeps its current core intact for at least one more season.
Source: Hoops Wire
