Draymond Green and James Harden Decline Player Options as NBA Free Agency Nears

Draymond Green declined his $27.7 million player option with the Golden State Warriors on June 29 and entered free agency, ESPN reported. The decision creates salary-cap space that could allow the Warriors to pursue LeBron James in free agency and Anthony Davis through a trade.

James Harden also declined his $42.3 million option with the Cleveland Cavaliers the same day and is negotiating a new multiyear contract with the team.

Zach LaVine opted into his $49 million player option with the Sacramento Kings for the 2026-27 season. LaVine averaged 19.2 points in 39 games last season before missing time with a hand injury. Fred VanVleet similarly exercised his $25 million option with the Houston Rockets after missing the entire 2025-26 season with a torn ACL suffered in September 2025.

The LA Clippers and Toronto Raptors continued trade discussions for Kawhi Leonard, who has one year and $50.3 million left on his contract. Leonard's representatives told other teams he would sign an extension only with the Raptors if the Clippers did not retain him. Leonard had preferred to remain with the Clippers, but the team made no long-term commitment this offseason.

The LA Clippers, Portland Trail Blazers and Denver Nuggets registered interest in Jaylen Brown, who has three years remaining on his contract. One executive said the Clippers "want Brown bad," ESPN reported. The Charlotte Hornets completed a trade on June 28 that sent Miles Bridges, a 2029 first-round pick and a 2029 second-round pick to the Phoenix Suns for Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale and a 2033 first-round pick.

Monday served as the deadline for all player and team options to be exercised by 5 p.m. Free agency officially begins Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET. Additional options that remained undecided included those held by Deandre Ayton, Lu Dort and Andrew Wiggins.