Draymond credits relationship with LeBron after signing with Klutch
Like Warren Buffett investing in railways or Oprah stumping for the latest book release, the decisions and associations made by Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James carry significant weight in NBA circles.
Just ask Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green. The three-time All-Star said James' close relationship to Rich Paul's Klutch Sports played a role in his own decision to sign with the agency this week after leaving The Wasserman Group.
"It's impossible to say LeBron played no part in me joining Klutch, simply because he has been Klutch since the beginning," Green told The Undefeated's Marc J. Spears on Tuesday. "He's essentially a founding partner.
"I've already had a relationship with LeBron for years, so it's always good to be able to do business with family that's going about their business in the right fashion and getting things done. But as far as recruiting me - no, LeBron didn't recruit me at all."
From a business standpoint, the next 15 months will be pivotal for Green. The 6-foot-7 power forward's current five-year, $82-million contract is set to conclude after the 2019-20 season, allowing him to reach unrestricted free agency next summer at age 30. Whether he ultimately re-ups with the Warriors or departs the only franchise he's ever known, Green's next contract could be his last chance to earn a significant payday.
Since emerging as a starter for Golden State during the 2014-15 season, Green's averaged 11.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game, helping the team capture three NBA titles and earning the 2016-17 Defensive Player of the Year award in the process.