For the second year in a row, the Golden State Warriors are linked to one of the NBA's biggest trade candidates. The difference this time around is that the franchise's future legend, Draymond Green, is getting tossed in some hypothetical talks.
It's not necessarily something the Warriors have been able to block out. In fact, the rumors have sparked conversations behind the scenes between Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and Draymond Green. On Monday, Kerr confirmed that much.
"I think what’s really tricky for Draymond is this is the only place he’s ever known. He’s going to have a statue outside the building someday," Kerr told 95.7 The Game on Monday.
"Really weird position for him to be in for sure because there’s never really been a time in his entire career where he’s had to think about putting on another jersey. … He’s never been through this, and it’s definitely been on his mind.”
The Warriors planned to continue running with a core three of Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Green throughout the 2025-2026 NBA season. Any deal likely would've been on a smaller scale, keeping Green in the Golden State through the remainder of the season.
Butler's injury formed a shakeup. A torn ACL, resulting in a season-ending recovery timeline, has the Warriors reportedly swinging for the fences. The Warriors are one of several teams rumored to be in the hunt for Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks.
If the Warriors and the Bucks get close to striking a deal, Green's $25.8 million salary could get involved. While the struggling Bucks wouldn't be an ideal scenario for the veteran forward, another team taking part in the trade could lead the multi-time champion to a more favorable situation.
Whether he's moved or not, Green will have some contract power before June 29. The 35-year-old forward has a $27.6 million player option for next year. He doesn't have to stay on his current deal and could test the open market in 2026.
Green recently attacked trade rumors in front of a scrum of reporters by simply stating that he wasn't losing sleep over the talks, as it's a part of the business. His worry meter might be low, but the fact that he's having discussions about it with Steve Kerr proves that it's not a far-fetched idea.
The four-time All-Star has remained productive as a starter on both ends of the floor. Keeping up with his career average of 8 points and 5 assists per game, while maintaining strong defense, Green can be a solid addition for a contender this year. While the Warriors still value him highly, the idea of acquiring Antetokounmpo has been on their minds for quite some time.
The Bucks aren't guaranteed to part ways with Giannis before Thursday's deadline, but the Warriors are still expected to remain in play until they are shut out. As a result, Green will continue to get talked about.
Newsweek