© Kelley L Cox | 2018 May 22
The Warriors have suspended Draymond Green for Tuesday’s game vs. the Hawks, citing “conduct detrimental to the team” for the role he played in Monday’s verbal altercation with Kevin Durant. The decision was reportedly made by head coach Steve Kerr. It is the first time a Warriors player has been suspended by the team during the Kerr era.
The suspension will cost Green $120,480.
Draymond Green will be suspended without pay tonight, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 13, 2018
I’m told Warriors coach Steve Kerr made this decision. https://t.co/IinkeNmbuQ
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) November 13, 2018
The Draymond Green one game team suspension will cost the forward $120,480. This is a team issued suspension and the Warriors will not receive a luxury tax credit.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) November 13, 2018
The two got in an argument after the final possession of regulation during Golden State’s 121-116 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers Monday night, when Green did not pass Durant the ball as the clock ticked down, and the possession went nowhere.
During a timeout in overtime, Green and Durant shouted at each other. According to Yahoo’s Shams Charania, one of the topics Green brought up was Durant’s impending free agency. Durant is under contract with the Warriors through the 2019-2020 season, but he could opt out after the current season and enter free agency.
Sources: In midst of verbal exchange on court late in Monday's game, Draymond Green challenged Kevin Durant about Durant's impending free agency. As teammates came at Green about his turnover, he responded. This has been a simmering issue for the Warriors today.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 13, 2018
The argument stemmed from the below possession.
DRAYMOND FOR THE WIN. pic.twitter.com/pu67K5B8J6
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 13, 2018
Green, Durant, and Andre Iguodala got into it during a timeout in overtime.
The heated exchange between Kevin Durant and Draymond Green after Dray didn’t pass to KD in the final seconds of regular for a chance to beat the Clippers. #Warriors pic.twitter.com/RjWrFiC2vr
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) November 13, 2018
The argument reportedly lingered into the locker room postgame, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. From his ESPN.com story: “the organization is taking seriously the fallout of Monday night’s confrontation, spending Tuesday working through the issues that may have been created — or even advanced — within the team’s dynamic, league sources said.”
Wojnarowski also quoted Shaun Livingston, who dismissed the argument as a product of “team spirit.”
The Athletic‘s Anthony Slater reported that the postgame locker room temperament was off.
About 7 minutes before locker room opened last night, Kevin Durant bolted out, already dressed, skipped media, which he never does. When doors opened, Draymond Green was in the corner on his phone, much quieter than usual, last to leave, but vibe around the room pretty normal.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) November 13, 2018