Draymond Green
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Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors won two Olympic gold medals in 2016 and 2020.
The Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green isn’t letting every trade rumor slide, especially when it involves his supposed exit strategy from the Bay Area.
Green took to Threads on Monday to dismiss a report suggesting he was arranging his departure from Golden State. The report indicated that Green would be willing to get traded to the Milwaukee Bucks with a caveat that would allow him to return to the Warriors next season.
“🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣who’s the source?” Green replied to a post detailing the trade report.
NBA insider Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints had reported Monday about the scenario involving Green’s potential departure and return.
“One rival executive who has dealt with the Warriors before in trade talks spoke with ClutchPoints on Sunday and brought up the interesting scenario where Green himself could be on board with such a maneuver, where he could be traded and return next season alongside Curry, Butler, and Antetokounmpo, since he owns a $27.6 million player option,” Siegel reported.
The dismissive response signals Green’s frustration with the rumor mill and reinforces his intention to stay with the Warriors if possible. With the February 5 deadline two days away, Green has been at the heart of trade speculation involving Giannis Antetokounmpo.
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The Complex Warriors Trade Structure Green Rejected
Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors
GettyDraymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors.
The reported trade structure would require Green to take a massive pay cut. He currently makes $27.6 million this season. The scenario described would have him on a minimum contract at the tail end of his career after facilitating a three-team deal.
Green holds leverage due to an upcoming player option in the summer. Taking a $20-plus million pay cut to help orchestrate a Giannis trade makes little sense from his perspective, which explains his dismissive response on social media.
Siegel confirmed that discussions between the Warriors and Bucks haven’t progressed since last week. However, he didn’t hear an emphatic “no” when insiders were asked directly whether Green could be a moving piece ahead of the deadline.
“I 100 percent believe there are teams who would essentially help the Warriors get Giannis if it meant they got Green for the next three or four months to pursue a title,” a rival executive told Siegel.
That scenario would involve a third team taking Green temporarily to help facilitate salary matching in a Warriors-Bucks deal. But the complexity of such a three-team move makes it highly unlikely to materialize before Thursday’s deadline.
NBACentral
Draymond Green could be on board with a Giannis trade and then return to the Warriors as a free agent this summer, per @BrettSiegelNBA
“One rival executive who has dealt with the Warriors before in trade talks spoke with ClutchPoints on Sunday and brought up the interesting
Green’s Contradictory Statements
Green has been candid about how stressful the trade rumors have been. He discussed Antetokounmpo’s situation on his podcast recently, acknowledging the difficulty of the moment.
“Quite honestly, I think it’s a tough time, the stress levels are high,” Green said.
But that admission contrasted with the confidence he showed Friday during the Warriors’ game against the Detroit Pistons. When asked about trade speculation, Green projected calm.
“I’ve been here for 14 years,” Green said. “I have no reason to sit and worry about leaving. But if I’m traded, that’s part of the business. I ain’t losing no sleep, though. I slept great last night.”
Anthony Slater
Draymond Green as the trade deadline approaches: “I’ve been here for 14 years. I have no reason to sit and worry about leaving. But if I’m traded, that’s part of the business.”
“I ain’t losing no sleep though. I slept great last night.”
Why Green Could Still Be Traded by the Warriors
Giannis to Warriors, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Warriors trade
GettyDraymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors and Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks.
Despite his dismissal of the exit plan report, Green remains a realistic trade candidate if the Warriors pursue Antetokounmpo. He’s one of two players on Golden State’s roster whose salary could help match Giannis in a deal, along with Jimmy Butler.
The Warriors have reportedly made it clear to Butler they plan to keep him through his ACL rehabilitation. That leaves Green as the more likely salary-matching piece if Golden State wants to land Antetokounmpo without including Butler.
A package centered around Green, Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, and four first-round picks would give Milwaukee the young talent and draft capital they’re seeking. Whether the Bucks accept that structure over a Butler-centered offer remains uncertain.
General manager Mike Dunleavy has been reluctant to trade anyone, but insiders claim no one on the team is safe except Stephen Curry. That includes Green, despite his 14 years with the organization and four championships.
Final Word
Green’s dismissive response on Threads shows he’s not entertaining every trade scenario that surfaces online.
But that doesn’t mean Green is safe from being traded. The Warriors face a critical decision over the next two days. If they can land Antetokounmpo using a package built around Green instead of Butler, they’ll seriously consider it.
Green has been with Golden State since 2012. He’s won four championships. His defensive intelligence and leadership have been foundational to the Warriors’ dynasty. Trading him would end one of the most successful partnerships in NBA history.
But the opportunity to pair Curry with Giannis doesn’t come around often. If Milwaukee becomes serious about dealing before Thursday and prefers a Green-centered package, the Warriors will have to choose between loyalty and championship upside.
For now, Green stays in the Bay Area. Unless the Warriors complete a deal involving him, he’s keeping the rumors in check and dismissing the unlikely ones. The next 48 hours will reveal whether his confidence is justified or whether he becomes part of a blockbuster deal that reshapes the Warriors’ future.