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Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors walks off the court after losing.
The Golden State Warriors are three days away from the NBA trade deadline, and head coach Steve Kerr isn’t pretending the uncertainty isn’t affecting his roster.
Kerr addressed the feelings among the team Monday during an appearance on 95.7 The Game’s “Willard and Dibs.” His assessment was honest. Lots of guys on the Warriors are on edge right now.
Every trade deadline feels different based on circumstances, Kerr explained. But this one feels particularly tricky. Jimmy Butler‘s season-ending injury threw everybody for a loop. There are more possibilities this year than usual, and players are feeling that uncertainty.
The Warriors have been heavily linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo as the February 5 deadline approaches. ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported over the weekend that there’s a sense everyone on Golden State outside of Stephen Curry could be traded if the team acquires Antetokounmpo. That includes Draymond Green, who’s been with the Warriors since 2012.
“[Draymond and I] have talked [about the trade rumors]. I think what’s really tricky for Draymond is this is the only place he’s ever known. He’s going to have a statue outside the building someday.
Really weird position for him to be in for sure because there’s never really
Kerr’s Comments on Draymond’s Situation
GettyDraymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors.
Kerr spoke specifically about Green’s mindset amid the trade speculation. The two have talked about the rumors, Kerr said. What makes this particularly difficult for Draymond is that Golden State is the only place he’s ever known.
Green is going to have a statue outside the building someday, Kerr noted. It’s a really weird position for him to be in. There’s never been a time in his entire career where he even had to think about putting on another jersey.
“[Draymond and I] have talked [about the trade rumors],” Kerr said. “I think what’s really tricky for Draymond is this is the only place he’s ever known. He’s going to have a statue outside the building someday. Really weird position for him to be in for sure because there’s never really been a time in his entire career where he even had to think about putting on another jersey. … He’s never been through this and it’s definitely been on his mind.”
Green addressed the trade rumors himself Friday. He’s been with the Warriors for 14 years, and he’s not losing sleep over the speculation.
“I’ve been here for 14 years,” Green said. “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.”
The public bravado is classic Draymond. But Kerr’s comments suggest the reality is more complicated. Green has won four championships in Golden State. His defensive intelligence and leadership have been foundational to the Warriors’ dynasty. Now he’s facing the possibility of being traded for the first time in his career.
Draymond Green as the trade deadline approaches: “I’ve been here for 14 years. 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.”
Why Green Could Be Included in a Giannis Trade
GettyDraymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors and Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks.
If the Warriors aren’t including Butler in a package for Antetokounmpo, Green becomes the necessary salary-matching piece. He’s making $27.6 million this season with two years remaining on his contract. Using him as the centerpiece alongside Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, and four first-round picks would allow Golden State to keep Butler while landing Giannis.
The Milwaukee Bucks are seeking blue-chip young talent or a significant package of draft picks for Antetokounmpo. Green doesn’t fit that description, but his contract makes the numbers work. Milwaukee could flip him to another team or use him as a veteran presence during their rebuild.
For the Warriors, trading Green would end one of the most successful partnerships in NBA history. But basketball decisions aren’t sentimental. If moving Green is what it takes to pair Curry with Giannis, Golden State will make that trade.
Green turns 36 next month. His athleticism has declined even as his basketball IQ remains elite. The Warriors can justify moving him if it means extending their championship window by adding a 31-year-old two-time MVP in his prime.
Kerr Would Be Comfortable With Warriors Standing Pat
GettyHead Coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors.
Despite the Giannis speculation, Kerr said he’d be very comfortable if the Warriors didn’t make any moves at the deadline. He feels better about this year’s team than last year’s in terms of playing without Butler.
The additions of De’Anthony Melton and the way Al Horford is playing have provided depth Golden State didn’t have previously. If the team stays healthy, Kerr thinks they can win a lot of games.
That assessment suggests the Warriors aren’t desperate to make a move just for the sake of activity. If a Giannis trade materializes, they’ll pursue it aggressively. But if Milwaukee decides to wait until summer or demands a package Golden State isn’t comfortable giving up, the Warriors can proceed with their current roster.
Golden State sits at 27-23 and eighth in the Western Conference. They’ve gone 2-4 since Butler’s injury but have shown flashes of the depth Kerr referenced. The question is whether that depth is enough to compete for a championship or whether the Warriors need a franchise-altering move to maximize Curry’s remaining prime years.
Final Word on the Warriors
Kerr’s candor about the trade deadline tension reveals how unusual this situation is for the Warriors. Most years, Golden State operates from a position of strength. This year feels different. Butler’s injury, Giannis becoming available, and the reality that everyone except Curry could be moved has created uncertainty the organization rarely experiences.
Green has never had to consider playing anywhere else. That’s a testament to his value to the Warriors and the stability the franchise provided throughout his career. Now he’s facing the possibility of being traded for the first time, and Kerr acknowledges it’s been on his mind.
The next three days will reveal whether Green remains a Warrior or becomes part of a blockbuster deal for Antetokounmpo. Either way, the uncertainty is real. Players are on edge. Conversations are happening. The Warriors face decisions that will define the final years of their championship window.
Kerr can say he’d be comfortable standing pat, but the opportunity to land Giannis doesn’t come around often. If Milwaukee becomes serious about dealing before Thursday, Golden State will have to decide whether loyalty to Green matters more than pairing Curry with another superstar. That’s not an easy choice, and the tension Kerr described reflects how difficult these next 72 hours will be for everyone involved.
Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins
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