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Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green reacts. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Golden State Warriors plan to keep Draymond Green and pair him with newly-acquired center Kristaps Porziņģis in the frontcourt, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater.
The decision to retain Green comes after days of trade speculation that saw his name prominently mentioned in potential deals for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Warriors dangled Green in trade talks but ultimately chose to keep the 35-year-old veteran with the only franchise he’s ever known.
Golden State acquired Porziņģis from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield on Wednesday. The trade marks the unofficial end of the Warriors’ pursuit of Antetokounmpo, according to team sources.
The Warriors made several offers for Giannis over the past week but came away with the impression over the past 24 hours that Milwaukee won’t be moving him before the deadline. Golden State pivoted to acquiring Porziņģis instead.
Why Green Stays With the Warriors
Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors
GettyDraymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors.
Green’s future with Golden State was uncertain entering Wednesday. He conducted an emotional press conference Tuesday night after the Warriors’ loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, acknowledging the possibility that it could be his last game in a Warriors jersey.
“I don’t know that it ends at 13 and a half but if it does what a f—— run it’s been,” Green said after the game. “I’ll take the fine for it. What a f—— run it’s been.”
The veteran forward spoke candidly about conversations with coach Steve Kerr and his family about the trade possibility. He told his son on the way to Tuesday’s game that the Warriors might move him, explaining that it’s just the business of basketball.
But Green also made clear he held no ill will toward the organization regardless of what decision they made. He understood the Warriors needed to do what was best for the franchise.
“I think a lot of people want to know how I feel about it,” Green said. “Like, am I upset about it? I’m not at all. If that’s what’s best for this organization, that’s what’s best for the organization.”
The Warriors ultimately decided keeping Green made more sense than trading him. His defensive intelligence, leadership, and chemistry with Stephen Curry proved too valuable to sacrifice, especially after missing out on Antetokounmpo.
Bleacher Report
“I don’t know if it ends… but if it does, what a f—king run it’s been”
Draymond Green on trade rumors
(via @NBCSWarriors)
The Porziņģis Fit Next to Green
Warriors, Warriors trade, Kristaps Porzings
GettyKristaps Porzingis #8 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after hitting a three-point basket against Tim Hardaway Jr. #10 of the Denver Nuggets during the third quarter at State Farm Arena on December 05, 2025
Porziņģis has been on the Warriors’ radar dating back to his playoff runs with the Boston Celtics. Golden State has been on a persistent search for a rim-protecting center who can hit 3-pointers and has long believed Porziņģis would fit well in the frontcourt next to Green.
The 7-foot-3 Latvian provides the floor-spacing big man the Warriors have sought. He can protect the rim defensively while stretching defenses beyond the 3-point line offensively. Pairing him with Green creates a versatile frontcourt that can switch defensively and space the floor.
Green’s playmaking ability from the elbow and high post should complement Porziņģis’ shooting. The veteran forward can find Porziņģis for open 3-pointers while also facilitating for Curry and other perimeter players.
But the Porziņģis fit requires availability. Because of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and other injuries, Porziņģis has appeared in only 17 games for the Hawks this season. He played just 42 out of 82 games for Boston in 2024-25.
Porziņģis hasn’t played since January 7. But team sources told ESPN they anticipate he will make his return soon after joining Golden State. The Warriors hope to get him back healthy and productive for the stretch run.
Shams Charania
BREAKING: The Golden State Warriors are trading Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks for Kristaps Porzingis, sources tell ESPN.
What This Means for the Warriors
The Warriors are 27-24 and currently eighth in the Western Conference. They needed to make a move before the deadline to improve their championship odds, but landing Antetokounmpo proved impossible.
Acquiring Porziņģis addresses their need for frontcourt help without gutting the roster. They kept Green and Curry together while adding a talented veteran on an expiring $30.7 million contract.
Whether Porziņģis can stay healthy enough to make a difference remains the critical question. If he can return to the level he showed in Boston’s championship run, the Warriors have a legitimate chance to compete in the playoffs.
The End of Kuminga’s Warriors Tenure
The trade closes the chapter on Kuminga’s five-season roller-coaster tenure with Golden State. The 23-year-old forward never gained firm traction in Kerr’s rotation despite flashes of potential.
Kuminga averaged 12.5 points on 50.3 percent shooting in his 278 career games with the Warriors. He has a team option for $24.3 million next season. The Hawks are taking a swing at a high-upside wing on a controllable contract.
Kuminga requested a trade earlier this month after losing his rotation spot. The relationship with Kerr appeared fractured. Trading him solved a problem for both sides while allowing Golden State to acquire a player they believe fits better with their championship timeline.
Final Word
Green’s future with the Warriors is secure, at least for now. The veteran who spent Tuesday night contemplating the end of his 13-year run with Golden State will return Thursday knowing he’s still wanted.
Pairing Green with Porziņģis gives the Warriors an intriguing frontcourt combination if health cooperates. The defensive versatility and offensive spacing could unlock new dimensions for Curry and the Warriors’ offense.
But the gamble is real. Porziņģis’ injury history is extensive. If he can’t stay on the court, the Warriors will have traded away their most valuable young asset for minimal return while missing out on Antetokounmpo.
For Green, the relief must be immense. He gets to finish his career where it started. He doesn’t have to uproot his family. He can continue chasing a fifth championship alongside Curry and Kerr.
The Warriors’ pursuit of Giannis is over. Their faith in Green and Curry remains. Whether that faith is justified will be determined by Porziņģis’ health and the team’s performance over the final two months of the season.