Draymond GreenForward, Golden State Warriors

Draymond Green TRUTH on Marcus Smart & Lakers Contract Controversy

29 Sept 2026 · 1 min

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1:05

Draymond Green breaks down why Marcus Smart chose the Rockets over the Lakers: it's not about money, it's about contract security. Green points to Austin Reaves, Paul Reed, and Jalen Duren as examples of players who balled out in the playoffs but couldn't escape minimum-deal salaries. Once you're labeled a minimum player, he says, it's nearly impossible to negotiate your way into a real contract.

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Marcus Smart made a quote about choosing the Rockets over a disrespectful offer from the Lakers. What I think the most important part about this quote is, is the security that Marcus Smart wanted. Because Marcus Smart should know that in this league, it ain't always about who played better. For instance, he may have played better than Austin Reeves in the playoffs. They ain't giving Marcus Smart Austin Reeves' money because he played better than Austin Reeves in the playoffs. Paul Reed played better than Jalen Duren in the playoffs last year. They're not paying Paul Reed Jalen Duren's money. He probably wanted multiple years. He probably felt like he played to get multiple years. What I will say is it's hard to get Multiple years at a high number when you come in on a minimum because people then view you that way. And that's always the problem with taking a buyout is once you take a buyout, you play on a minimum, it's hard to climb back from that. Now, I agree with Marcus Smart. He played his ass off all year. Without Marcus Smart last year, I'm not sure where that Lakers team was. He was one of the most consistent players all year. So I understand what he's saying, but it's hard to get off that minimum once you get there. Happens, it does. Some people do, but it's just very tough to then not be seen as a minimum guy.