If Golden State struggles during the upcoming season, Draymond Green could become a trade candidate before February’s deadline, according to NBA insider Kevin O’Connor.
“This might be the time, like right now, we’re gonna figure out what happens… I think by the trade deadline, we’ll know, ‘This is gonna be tough.’ And we could really fully be saying goodbye, right? Draymond could be traded at the trade deadline,” O’Connor said. “Steph ain’t going. Steph ain’t going nowhere. Steph’s a lifer. Plus, you gotta sell the tickets, man. Like, where are you going? Steph still provides one of the top experiences in the NBA, just to take in, right? But if this thing doesn’t work, they could make some decisions where you’re like, ‘Okay, we’re gonna drastically change this thing. Jimmy Butler’s on a one-year deal. Draymond Green’s on a one-year deal.’ They’re openly saying, ‘We have a hundred million in expiring contracts. We got flexibility.’ Those are the core players, and Klay’s already gone. If Draymond leaves, there’s a sense you could feel like they just might start this thing completely over.”
The situation gives Golden State plenty of flexibility if the season doesn’t go according to plan.
Green re-signed with the Warriors this summer on a one-year, $27.7 million deal, meaning the franchise won’t be tied to the 36-year-old beyond this season.
He averaged 8.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists last season while remaining a major part of Golden State’s defense.
But O’Connor believes Curry is in an entirely different position.
While Green and Jimmy Butler could become part of significant changes, O’Connor described Curry as a “lifer” who isn’t going anywhere.
That could leave Golden State with a major decision if its current roster fails to contend.
Green has spent his entire 14-year NBA career with the Warriors, winning four championships and making four All-Star teams alongside Curry.
But with Klay Thompson already gone, another disappointing season could put the future of Golden State’s longtime core under serious pressure.
And this time, Green could be the next one out.
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