Mike Dunleavy Jr. says Warriors 'really want' Draymond Green back - ESPN

SAN FRANCISCO — Mike Dunleavy Jr. is getting thrown into the fire as he takes on a new role as general manager.

The Golden State Warriors are amid a pivotal offseason that has already seen the departure of executive Bob Myers and Draymond Green declining his player option.

The NBA draft is four days away. Free agency follows closely after that.

But atop Dunleavy's to-do list this summer is bringing back Green, who declined his $27.6 million player option Monday morning and will enter unrestricted free agency, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

«We really want Draymond back,» Dunleavy said at his introductory news conference Monday. «What he means in terms of this organization and this team, winning at the highest level, we feel like we have to have him.

It was expected Green would opt out; now he can talk with the Warriors as well as explore sign-and-trades and free agency.

»We will continue to talk to Golden State and explore all options," Paul told ESPN.

After the Warriors were eliminated by the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round of the playoffs, Green told Andscape's Marc Spears that Myers' decision — whether he returned as president and general manager or left — would carry some weight on his contract decision. Though, it wouldn't be the only deciding factor.

Green acknowledged the unique relationship Myers held with players, as well as head coach Steve Kerr, and how very few league executives carry that trait. It's something Dunleavy will now try to take over.

«Did I interview other people? No, not really. We didn't go outside,» Warriors owner and CEO Joe Lacob said on the hiring of Dunleavy. «We believe in continuity. We believe we have a really well-oiled machine, a well-running