Giannis Antetokounmpo remains the target, and the Golden State Warriors appear willing to part with veteran forward Draymond Green after nearly 14 years if it helps them land the Milwaukee Bucks superstar before the trade deadline.
The Warriors are reportedly trying to leverage Green’s contract in a trade, but the veteran forward would be a poor fit for a Bucks roster moving toward a rebuild. That has opened the door for a third team to get involved, with the Boston Celtics mentioned as a possible landing spot for the 35-year-old.
NBA insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line floated the idea of the Boston Celtics as a possible landing spot for Green, using Anfernee Simons’ expiring contract. Although entirely speculative and not based on any confirmed reports, the scenario draws attention because of Boston’s prominence in the Eastern Conference and its past clashes with the Warriors in the Finals.
The Celtics mediate for the Warriors to get Giannis Antetokounmpo
Jan 7, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots the ball against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the second quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images
The Celtics must make a call on guard Anfernee Simons’ expiring contract ahead of the deadline, particularly if they anticipate Jayson Tatum’s return this season to strengthen their chances of contending for a championship.
The Warriors likely won’t be concerned with Green’s destination as long as it paves the way for Antetokounmpo to join Stephen Curry. For the Bucks, the situation could work in their favor, since they would get Simons on an expiring contract instead of taking on Green, who has a $27.7 million player option for next season.
Even if the Warriors are ready to part ways with Green, locating a rival willing to part with meaningful assets could prove challenging.
Nov 6, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) warms up before playing against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
“I’ve been here 14 years. I have no reason to sit and worry about leaving,” Green recently commented on his status with the Warriors. “But if I’m traded, that’s part of the business. I ain’t losing no sleep, though. I slept great last night.”
A trade sending Green out to facilitate Antetokounmpo’s arrival before Thursday’s deadline would signal the close of a legendary chapter with the Warriors, at least temporarily. The move would also assemble a notable trio of Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, and Jimmy Butler, though they would not take the court together for nearly a year because of Butler’s recent season-ending knee injury.