Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has publicly condemned the recent NBA free agency period, expressing sharp disappointment with the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and its impact on player movement. Speaking from his man cave, Green criticized the developments throughout the 2025 free agency window, claiming the new rules have effectively ended the excitement and opportunities players once experienced.

He pointed to what he views as a lack of transparency and insufficient player protection during negotiations, while holding the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) leadership accountable for these shortcomings, notably taking issue with its president, CJ McCollum.

Green Details Why He Believes the New CBA Stifles Player Mobility

Green’s critique centers on the restrictive nature of the new CBA, particularly the introduction of a second apron or hard cap that he claims severely limits free agency dynamics. He described the once-anticipated free agency period as having “never really started,” highlighting a loss of buzz and excitement usually comparable to NBA Finals hype.

In candid comments on the social media platform Threads, Green wrote,

“Dear Diary, I’m sitting in my mancave having a conversation with my wife. Baffled at the fact that NBA free agency is over. Quite frankly it never really started.”

He underscored that the new hard cap measures have

“absolutely put an end to Free Agency,”

arguing that many players do not fully comprehend the challenges posed by these updated rules. Green elaborated,

“As we once knew it. Sadly, I sit here and watch so many players overplay the market and not understand what they are up against with the new rules.”

His concern extends to the general lack of business knowledge among players, asserting,

“That leads me to trying to understand the unstaggering percentage of guys that has no idea of THE BUSINESS they are apart of.”

Why Green Believes He Could Have Offered Stronger Player Representation

Drawing from his extensive experience within the NBA’s ecosystem, Green highlighted his familiarity with various league stakeholders, stating he has learned about the basketball business since his teenage years through close connections, including legendary executive Joe Dumars.

Green pointed out his relationships with former and current owners, general managers, and close friends in the basketball world as factors that would have allowed him to better serve players. He confessed,

“I should’ve been the Players association president lol. I could’ve helped a lot.”

Despite his tough criticism toward NBPA leadership under CJ McCollum, Green acknowledged that the overall structure of the NBA and relationships among league participants are sound; his primary grievance lies with the lack of player education on financial and operational realities.

He emphasized this point further:

“It’s baffling to me how little players know about this business and how it affects them in ways most don’t understand.”

Green made clear his comments were not directed at younger players still learning the ropes, using his teammate Jonathan Kuminga as an example:

“Before y’all run and make this about JK, it isn’t. He’s 22 and will be great and make a bunch of money, so this ain’t got nothing to do with him.”

Implications of Green’s Criticism for NBA Free Agency and Player Advocacy

Draymond Green’s outspoken remarks bring to light a growing dissatisfaction within the NBA regarding how free agency currently operates under the revised CBA. His reflections suggest the new agreement has diminished player leverage and disconnected athletes from key business insights that could protect their interests.

By calling out NBPA leadership and expressing a desire for more effective representation, Green underscores a widening divide between players and the league’s governance structures. His appeals for better education and greater transparency could spark conversations about how players engage with the financial and contractual aspects of their careers.

As the league moves forward, Green’s comments may influence future negotiations or prompt NBPA reforms aimed at restoring vibrancy to free agency and ensuring players fully understand the framework that governs their earnings and movement.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. How did CJ McCollum get a collapsed lung?

A. Yahoo! Sports reported that the lung collapse happened after a rib injury, yet no link has been established between them. Pneumothorax often results from chest injuries, lung conditions like COPD or LAM, or burst air blisters. It can also happen to patients on mechanical ventilation.

Q. How tall was CJ McCollum at 14?

A. In his freshman year in 2005, he was quite small, measuring just 5 feet 2 inches tall.