Draymond Green’s career with the Golden State Warriors is one of the most impactful of the past decade. Drafted in 2012, he became the defensive anchor, emotional leader, and strategic heartbeat of a franchise that won four NBA titles alongside Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, reaching six Finals in 10 seasons.
Green’s ability to guard all five positions, facilitate offense and control tempo helped define the Warriors’ identity through their dynasty years. But as the NBA trade deadline nears, what has been an extraordinary run could be nearing its end amid discussions about Golden State potentially acquiring Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
© Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Green has been at the center of those trade rumors, as the Warriors seek a more impactful two-way player in Antetokounmpo. Following Tuesday’s loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, Green offered a raw, emotional message reflecting on his future:
“Over the last couple days it’s gotten more real to me,” Green said. “If it ends after 13 and a half years, what a [expletive] run it’s been. I’ll take the fine. What a [expletive] run it’s been” (via NBC Sports Bay Area’s Dalton Johnson).
He also noted that head coach Steve Kerr’s call about all the trade talk was the moment it really hit home for him emotionally.
If Green does move on, it would mark the latest major shift for a Warriors core once defined by its championship trio. Thompson left for the Dallas Mavericks two years ago in free agency, ending one of the most iconic backcourt partnerships in league history. With Thompson gone and Green potentially on the move, Curry would be the lone remaining member of that core still in Golden State.
The situation is made more complex by veteran Jimmy Butler’s long-term ACL injury this season, leaving the Warriors without a healthy second option on offense to pair with Curry.
Green’s contract, a $25.8 million salary this season with one more year at a similar figure next year, makes him a more trade-friendly asset than Butler, who is out for the rest of the season and carries a $56.8 million salary next year.