Draymond Green is not holding back when it comes to calling out rookie Yaxel Lendeborg for what he claims is a tall tale. The Golden State Warriors’ veteran forward took to his podcast to address Lendeborg’s recent comments about their text exchange, and it’s safe to say things got a little spicy.
The Warriors made headlines by selecting Lendeborg, a promising forward from Michigan, with the 11th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. While the buzz around his arrival has been largely positive, Green’s playful yet pointed remarks have added an unexpected twist to the rookie’s debut.
On “The Draymond Green Show,” Green didn’t mince words when he confronted Lendeborg’s assertion that he had been left hanging without a response. “Yaxel’s been f–king lying. It’s the Michigan way. This guy texted me, and I replied within 30 seconds. Then he goes on an interview saying, ‘Oh man, Steph reached out, texted Draymond, still waiting on a response back.’ You f–king liar, Yaxel,” Green exclaimed, clearly amused yet frustrated.
It appears Lendeborg is already making waves among his teammates. After his earlier comment about disliking Stephen Curry as a child, he’s now taken aim at Green, which could lead to some interesting dynamics. Green, however, hinted at the potential consequences of Lendeborg’s words, stating, “We’re not really a team big on rookie hazing, but we can pick that back up.” He added a cheeky warning about rookie responsibilities, suggesting that Lendeborg might find himself on a long drive to fetch a PlayStation 5 if he doesn’t watch his step.
While Green’s comments were laced with humor, they also hinted at a more serious note regarding his own future with the Warriors. Recently, he opted out of his $27.7 million player option, making him an unrestricted free agent. Many believe this move is strategic, allowing him to potentially take a pay cut to help the team bolster its roster.
The Warriors find themselves in a challenging cap situation, currently sitting $19.3 million above the cap. With Green’s decision, the front office has some flexibility, but it may not be enough to secure their top targets in free agency. If Green signs a new deal worth more than $17-$18 million annually, the team could be forced to fill out their roster with minimum contracts.
As the Warriors navigate these changes, all eyes will be on how Lendeborg adjusts to life in the NBA and how Green’s playful jabs might shape their budding relationship. What other surprises await this season for the Warriors?
