TITLE: Draymond Green Unfazed by Trade Rumors as Warriors Pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo
SLUG: draymond-green-unfazed-warriors-giannis-pursuit
CONTENT:
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green said he is not losing sleep over trade speculation surrounding the team’s reported interest in Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo ahead of next Thursday’s NBA trade deadline.
“I’ve been here for 14 years,” Green told reporters in San Francisco. “I have no reason to sit and worry about leaving. If I’m traded, that’s part of the business. I slept great last night.”
Team sources indicated that, aside from guard Stephen Curry, every player on the roster is considered available as the front office explores ways to reshape the team late in Curry’s career. Because of salary-matching rules, any package for Antetokounmpo, who earns $54.1 million this season, would likely need to include either Green and his $25.8 million salary or injured forward Jimmy Butler, who also makes $54.1 million.
Green, 35, has been a key piece of the Warriors’ championship runs in 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2022. While his offensive numbers have declined, he remains the team’s starting power forward and is still regarded as one of the league’s top defenders.
On Friday night, Green finished with 15 points, seven assists and three rebounds in a 131-124 loss to the Detroit Pistons.
Asked whether he plans to meet with general manager Mike Dunleavy or controlling owner Joe Lacob before the deadline, Green said he will keep the same open-door policy he has maintained throughout his career. “I’m not going to go up there and be like, ‘Yo, so tell me what y’all doing,’” he said. “My phone is always on. I’m always willing to collaborate in any way I can.”
Source: ESPN
