Late on the evening of February 1 into February 2, the NBA universe was rocked by a three‐team trade that sent five‐time All‐Star Luka Dončić to the Lakers while moving Anthony Davis to the Mavericks.
For many around the league, including Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green, it was one of the most unexpected transactions in NBA history
On Thursday, Green appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live to discuss a variety of topics, including his reaction to the blockbuster midseason trade and the possibility of Golden State bringing back an old friend.
According to Green, he was attending the Warriors’ annual charity poker tournament when the news broke. "We were at the poker tournament, and I had just seen Joe Lacob—our owner—about ten minutes before," Green recalled.
Lacob told him, "Draymond, I think we’re going to get Kevin Durant; it’s right there at the finish line." Green sat down at a table, fully expecting good news on a potential Durant reunion.
Golden State Warriors forwards Draymond Green (23), Kevin Durant (35) and Andre Iguodala (9).
Golden State Warriors forwards Draymond Green (23), Kevin Durant (35) and Andre Iguodala (9).
© Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Fifteen minutes later, Stephen Curry shouted across the room, "Draymond, you see the trade?" thinking Steph was talking about Durant, only for the league media to light up minutes later, confirming that Luka was headed to Los Angeles.
"I couldn’t believe it. I thought Shams was hacked," Green admitted on air.
Durant spent three seasons in a Warriors uniform (2017-2019) and elevated an already powerful Golden State team into a dynastic juggernaut.
Durant helped the Warriors win back‐to‐back NBA titles in 2017 and 2018, earning Finals MVP honors on both occasions.
After sustaining a ruptured Achilles tendon in the 2019 NBA Finals, Durant departed Golden State to sign with the Brooklyn Nets in July 2019, ending the Warriors’ "Hamptons Five" era.