Draymond Green Reflects on 13½ Years With Warriors as Trade Deadline Approaches
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Golden State forward Draymond Green stepped to the podium after Tuesday’s game to contemplate what could be his last appearance in a Warriors uniform before Thursday’s trade deadline.
“If that’s what’s best for this organization, that’s what’s best for the organization,” Green told reporters, stressing that he feels no bitterness about the possibility of being moved. The 33-year-old noted he has spent 13½ seasons with the franchise—longer than “probably 98 percent of NBA players” remain in one city—and called the run “a blessing.”
Green’s name has surfaced in recent negotiations with Milwaukee involving Giannis Antetokounmpo. League sources expect the Bucks to route him to a third team or trade him separately if a deal materializes. Green holds a $27.7 million player option for 2026-27, giving him leverage over any potential destination.
Steve Kerr said before Tuesday’s game that this is the first time since he became head coach in 2014 that Green has been a real topic in trade discussions. “This has definitely been more difficult than most,” Kerr admitted, adding that the heightened chatter over the past two seasons has put players “on edge.” Green realized the possibility of leaving was serious when Kerr asked how his wife was coping with the rumors.
Stephen Curry, regarded as Golden State’s lone untouchable in any Antetokounmpo talks, reiterated to The Ringer’s Howard Beck that he intends to finish his career with the Warriors. “I never would see myself chasing another championship anywhere else but here,” Curry said, emphasizing that the goal remains “to figure this out together.”
Curry also said he has been deeply affected by Jimmy Butler’s season-ending ACL tear. “I don’t think I’ve stopped thinking about it since he got hurt,” he explained, noting frequent conversations with Kerr and Green about their own contract timelines and the team’s narrow miss at a title last season.
The Warriors have until the 3 p.m. ET deadline on Thursday to decide whether the core that produced four championships will remain intact.
Source: Hoops Rumors
