FanPost

What is/was Draymond thinking?

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

It is natural to assume that Draymond’s outburst was purely irrational or motivated by frustration that KD has not committed to the Warriors. I think there is another possibility.

Projecting forward to this summer (July), let’s look at some possible numbers and their implications. If KD and Klay sign this July the Warriors top three salaries will be roughly:
$40 Steph
$40 Kevin
$35 Klay
That is $115 committed even before the tax-payer mid-level exception ($5.x) is used and the other 12 roster spots are filled. That puts the Warriors well over the cap ($108) for 18/19’, probably over the cap for 19/20’ as well. Of course the Warriors can sign Draymond and pay the considerable tax, they have have his full Bird rights, but would they necessarily do that?

They might. Lacob has said that he won’t let money stand in the way. On the other hand they might not. (Draymond has a big body and has shown signs of possibly beginning to break down.) That may be Draymond’s biggest fear: to be the odd man out. After all he has done for this franchise, and the sweat and blood, to watch KD, Steph and Klay play and win at the Chase Center and he’s not there.

Draymond is a very intelligent person who fully understands the CBA. I have little doubt that he has looked at these numbers.Has he wondered: will they still want me? Was Draymond unconsciously driven to destroy the Warriors dynasty to save himself? The fear of humiliation and rejection can be very strong. I tend to believe that Draymond has contemplated these numbers and wondered a little bit. It is easy to imagine that he is personally jealous of KD, the one that everyone wants, and a bit concerned about his own future and desirability as a free agent in 2020.

This FanPost is a submission from a member of the mighty Golden State of Mind community. While we're all here to throw up that W, these words do not necessarily reflect the views of the GSoM Crew. Still, chances are the preceding post is Unstoppable Baby!