NBA players decline and exercise contract options as free agency opens

m. ET. Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is declining his $27.7 million player option to become a free agent, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania. This move gives the Warriors flexibility to pursue other players in free agency and via trade, according to Charania.

Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine is opting into his $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN's Shams Charania. LaVine averaged 19.2 points over 39 games last season, missing time with a hand injury.

Option decisions across the league Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden is declining his $42.3 million player option for 2026-27, and he and the team are working through a new multiyear deal together, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania. The team acquired Harden in February, sending the LA Clippers guard Darius Garland and a second-round pick.

Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet is opting into his $25 million player option for the 2026-27 season, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN's Shams Charania. VanVleet suffered a torn ACL during an offseason workout last September and missed the entire 2025-26 season.

Raptors are in trade discussions for All-NBA forward Kawhi Leonard, sources told ESPN. LA and Toronto have been in talks for the last couple of weeks, as Leonard's reps informed other teams he only wanted to sign an extension with the Raptors if the Clippers were not going to keep him, sources said.

Leonard has only the 2026-27 season left on his contract at $50.3 million. He had preferred to stay with the Clippers, sources said, but the franchise didn't make a long-term commitment to him this offseason.