The Golden State Warriors reportedly have involved Draymond Green in active trade discussions ahead of Thursday’s deadline, league sources told ESPN’s Anthony Slater on Tuesday.
Warriors Aggressively Pursuing Giannis
Slater’s report comes a day after Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported that Golden State has been the most aggressive team in the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes.
“General manager Mike Dunleavy and controlling owner Joe Lacob have maintained a motivation to get a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo across the finish line and, as part of that, Green’s name has been involved in the framework of available offers to the Milwaukee Bucks,” Slater wrote.
In order to make the salaries match, the Warriors have packaged either injured wing Jimmy Butler III (making $56.8 million next season) or Green ($27.6 million next season) in the deal, per Slater.
Antetokounmpo remains under contract through 2027-28, but he can become a free agent in the 2027 offseason if he declines his $62.8 million player option.
Starting on Oct. 1, Giannis will be eligible for a four-year, $275 million maximum extension through the 2030-31 season. If moved, he’d be able to sign the same deal with another team six months after a trade.
Dray Responds To Trade Rumors
Green, who turns 36 on March 4, has spent his entire 14-year NBA career with the Warriors after they selected him 35th overall in the 2012 draft out of Michigan State.
Through 922 career regular-season games (767 starts), Green has averaged 8.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.0 blocks, and 28.6 minutes per outing while shooting 44.8% from the field.
The Michigan native helped Golden State win four NBA championships, and is a four-time NBA All-Star, former Defensive Player of the Year, two-time All-NBA member, and nine-time All-Defensive honoree.
However, Green understands that trades are part of the game.
“I’ve been here for 14 years,” he said when asked Friday night about his future. “I have no reason to sit and worry about leaving. But if I’m traded, that’s part of the business. I ain’t losing no sleep, though. I slept great last night.”
Green More Likely To Be Traded Than Butler
In addition, league sources told Siegel earlier this week that it’s more likely the Dubs will decide to trade Green rather than Butler in a potential deal for Antetokounmpo.
Green has a smaller contract, and he is currently healthy and able to contribute for a playoff contender. The 6-foot-6 wing is earning $25.89 million this season, and his deal includes a 15% trade bonus.
Butler suffered a season-ending torn right ACL in a 135-112 win over the Miami Heat on Jan. 19. The six-time All-Star has a history of right knee injuries, as he tore his right meniscus in 2018 and sprained his MCL in 2024.
Despite the reports, Warriors coach Steve Kerr prefers to see Green retire in a Warriors jersey.
“I think what’s really tricky for Draymond is this is the only place he’s ever known,” Kerr said Monday on 95.7 The Game’s “Willard and Dibs.”
“The guy’s going to have a statue outside the building someday. … He’s never been through this, and it’s definitely been on his mind. … As a pro, as an NBA player, you just have to embrace that it’s always a possibility.”
