The Golden State Warriors have placed Draymond Green in active trade talks ahead of Thursday’s deadline, league sources told ESPN. The discussions put Green’s fourteen-season tenure with the franchise in jeopardy.
General manager Mike Dunleavy and controlling owner Joe Lacob remain motivated to complete a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Green’s name has been included in the framework of available offers for the Milwaukee Bucks, league sources said.
To match salaries, the Warriors must include the injured Jimmy Butler III, who will make $56.8 million next season, or Green at $27.6 million. Green’s smaller contract is easier to realign, and his current health and ability to contribute to a contender make him more attractive to Milwaukee and other teams in deadline discussions. The Phoenix Suns and Detroit Pistons have each previously been linked to Green, but his fit with their current roster appears questionable heading into the deadline.
“I’ve been here 14 years,” Green said Friday night when asked about his future. ‘I have no reason to sit around and worry about leaving. But if I get traded, that’s part of the business. But I didn’t lose any sleep. I slept wonderfully last night.’
Steve Kerr and Stephen Curry have consistently expressed their preference for Green to retire in a Warriors jersey. However, Lacob and Dunleavy will make the final decision as they look to reshape the roster for the future.
Green is being made more available than in previous years as the organization evaluates options. The four-time champion was at the heart of Golden State’s dynasty, winning titles in 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2022.
“I think what’s really tough for Draymond is that this is the only place he’s ever known,” Kerr said during his weekly radio appearance. “One day he will have a statue outside the building. He’s never experienced this before and it’s certainly been on his mind.’
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