While it did not seem likely at the beginning of free agency, Danny Green agreed to return to the Sixers on a 2-year $20 million contract. The second year of the deal is non-guaranteed and this ended up being good value for what the veteran typically demands. The 34-year old was reintroduced to Sixers media as a returning member yesterday and gave some insight into the decision to return and more.
The 12-year veteran talked about how the ending of last season left a sour taste in his mouth and began by saying, “I believe if I was healthy things might have been different. We definitely have unfinished business.” Managing to bring back Danny Green certainly renewed some optimism around the Sixers’ offseason, and him seemingly having the same hunger is exciting.
Green’s Other Options:
As one of the more honest athletes when dealing with the media, Danny Green was not shy about sharing what other teams showed interest in him. He mentioned there was some recruiting from former teammates as Dwight Howard wanted him to rejoin the Lakers along with him and George Hill talked to him about joining the Milwaukee Bucks.
As far as teams that actually made Green an offer, he mentioned the Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, and the Charlotte Hornets. It is no surprise that the three-time NBA champ was a sought-after player, as he is a near-perfect role player on any contending team.
When talking about the potential deals that were offered from other teams, Green talked about how it was an interesting market he faced. As the career 40.1% three-point shooter put it:
“As you can see around the league a lot of guys are getting crazy numbers or very low numbers so it seems like the middle ground is kind’ve missing… So the superstars (are) taking a big bulk of the cap and then a lot of guys on vet minimums. So trying to find that common area, that middle ground for guys like me was tough.”
Due to the cap gymnastics that each team’s GM faces, Green was also the subject of several sign-and-trade discussions. Ultimately he decided to ink a new deal here in Philly and the Sixers should be excited to keep his veteran leadership around.
The Ben Simmons Situation:
It feels as if there have been new reports coming out surrounding the strained relationship between Ben Simmons and the 76ers on nearly a daily basis. One of the most notable reports indicated that Simmons has cut off all communications with the Sixers. This was disputed by Tyrese Maxey who mentioned that he still talks to Ben “all the time,” following the first summer league game. It is worth noting that Maxey and Simmons are under the same agency and have the same trainer, so there are more connections that simply being teammates on the Sixers- which would make it more likely for them to come into contact.
This subject came up during the Green interview as Danny mentioned he mainly heard from Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris this summer while making his decision. Green was then specifically asked if he had talked to Ben Simmons this summer to which he replied, “Last time I spoke to Ben was probably around the Fourth of July weekend.”
Green continued to talk about how busy he has been with his free agency as well as his upcoming wedding, but assured that he would be reaching out to Simmons soon. He also mentioned that it was intentional that he was giving Simmons some space as that is what he believed he needed. Green talked about how Simmons needed time to heal and put it, “It’s not about him healing physically, it’s more mentally and emotionally.” He also noted that Simmons isn’t a “text guy” so that most communication is done on Facetime.
Sixers Free Agency:
Conversation was also brought up regarding the Sixers offseason as a whole. Danny Green put a positive spin on it and mentioned Tyrese Maxey, Isaiah Joe, Bball Paul, and Rayjon Tucker as potentially ready to make a jump and help the team next season. This young core has impressed so far in the summer league and each have an argument for why they should be given more minutes.
Green expressed excitement for the return of Furkan Korkmaz and also mentioned he liked the Andre Drummond signing. He continued to say it was disappointing to see Mike Scott depart, but spoke highly of Georges Niang.
“I do like Georges Niang, I think he’s a great addition. He’ll be alot of fun to play with. He knows how to play basketball the right way…he moves well and can shoot it really well so it’s another guy that can space the floor for us.”
Overall, it was great to have Danny Green back and settled in Sixers colors. The turmoil from a few weeks ago is seemingly water under the bridge and the focus has turned to next season. There are still many questions to be answered regarding the Sixers roster, but Green is a perfect complimentary player regardless of who is here and will continue to play a major role moving forward.
Photo by Stephen Lew/Icon Sportswire
