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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

Draymond Green is back. After serving a 12-game suspension for his actions during the Suns-Warriors game on December 12, Green has been reinstated by the NBA. Green’s suspension lasted 25 days, and he used that time to undergo counseling and work on himself. Draymond is eligible to return to action on Sunday against the Toronto Raptors.

Although the 12-game suspension was a tough time for Draymond Green, it had a positive impact on his team. The Golden State Warriors gained $8.8 million amid their superstar’s misery.

Draymond Green’s suspension saves a hefty sum for Joe Lacob

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There was a positive side to Draymond Green’s 12-game suspension for the Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob. Green lost $1,847,291 from his salary for missing 12 consecutive games during the suspension. That led to the Warriors’ projected tax bill to decrease from $192.5 million to $183.7 million. That means Joe Lacob’s team saved $8.8 million because of Draymond’s suspension. Because of being able to save such a hefty amount, the Warriors now have one spot available on their roster. And they can utilize that empty spot to bring a new piece into the line-up.

That could prove a major help to the Warriors’ front office, as they are in desperate need of a new star. There have been rumors about the Warriors pursuing star players like Pascal Siakam and Zach LaVine before the trade deadline. With these extra tax deductions, they can make a better offer to facilitate those trades. Stephen Curry and Co. are 10th in the Western Conference standings with a 17-18 record. And they need things to go their way to secure their place in the playoffs.

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Draymond Green’s return is a positive sign in a tough time

The Warriors fans would be even more excited to hear about Draymond Green’s return because of what happened in the last game. Their superstar, Chris Paul, fractured his left hand while going for a rebound in the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons. He will undergo surgery in the coming days and is expected to miss several weeks due to the injury. That is a massive blow to the Warriors as they will now miss a floor general who can facilitate the Warriors’ offense in Steph’s absence. That is where Draymond Green needs to step in.

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Now that Green has been reinstated by the NBA, the Warriors expect him to carry the load for them. Before the suspension, the veteran Center was averaging 9.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists. Green knows how the Warriors offense works, and he can help his teammates get easy shots in CP3’s absence. Draymond’s return is a positive sign for a shorthanded Warriors team.

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