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LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard reacts to a referee call.
The Los Angeles Clippers were among the teams that surfaced in potential trade scenarios involving Draymond Green during the deadline, as discussions around Giannis Antetokounmpo created uncertainty across the league.
Green revealed that he understood the business reality tied to such conversations, particularly when a player of Antetokounmpo’s caliber is involved.
“I understand this business probably as good as any player,” Green told ESPN’s Anthony Slater. “I understand like, yo, this is Giannis Antetokounmpo. They not just about to trade me for a bag of peanuts. It would’ve almost been a point of pride.”
While Green made it clear he had no desire to land with the Milwaukee Bucks, league sources told Slater that a reroute to Los Angeles — including the Clippers — was on his radar if a deal materialized.
Potential Clippers Fit Would Have Created Star Alignment
GettyDraymond Green of the Golden State Warriors fouls Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers.
A move to the Clippers would have paired Green with Kawhi Leonard, a two-time Finals MVP and one of the league’s premier two-way players.
The potential addition of Green would have strengthened Los Angeles’ defensive identity while adding another experienced voice to a roster built around veteran leadership.
Known for his versatility, communication and championship experience, Green could have complemented the Clippers’ core by anchoring defensive schemes and facilitating offense in a secondary playmaking role.
Clippers Already Made Major Deadline Move
Los Angeles was active at the trade deadline, reshaping its roster in a significant way.
The Clippers dealt former MVP James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for 26-year-old two-time All-Star guard Darius Garland.
The move signaled a shift toward a younger backcourt presence while maintaining the team’s competitive window, adding Garland’s playmaking and scoring ability to a roster headlined by Leonard.
They also sent starting center Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers for Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, two first-round picks, and a second-round pick.
Against that backdrop, the possibility of also adding Green — even hypothetically — would have further reshaped the Clippers’ identity on both ends of the floor.
Trade Talks Created Real Uncertainty
Green later detailed the emotional toll of the speculation during an episode of The Draymond Green Show, explaining how the possibility of a trade forced him to confront his future.
“When you’re not winning, everything becomes possible,” Green said at the time.
He described conversations with Steve Kerr and general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. that introduced the possibility of trade frameworks involving Antetokounmpo.
“If we were to do a deal for Giannis, you or Jimmy would have to be in the trade just to make it work,” Green said. “He didn’t rule it out.”
The situation prompted Green to consider not only basketball implications but also personal factors, including relocation and family considerations.
Warriors Core Remains Intact
Ultimately, no deal involving Antetokounmpo came to fruition, allowing the Golden State Warriors to retain their core group.
A potential trade would have ended Green’s long-standing partnership with Stephen Curry, one of the most successful duos of the modern NBA era.
Instead, Green remains a key contributor as Golden State pushes toward the postseason.
He recorded seven points, five rebounds, three assists, one block and two steals in Wednesday’s 109–106 win over the Brooklyn Nets, continuing his steady all-around production.
Over his last six games, Green has averaged 8.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.5 steals.
What Could Have Been for Clippers
For the Clippers, the revelation adds another intriguing “what-if” scenario to a season defined by roster changes and championship aspirations.
Green’s potential arrival would have bolstered an already evolving roster, adding defensive leadership and championship experience to complement Garland and Leonard.
While the move never materialized, the fact that the Clippers were on Green’s radar highlights their continued appeal as a destination for established stars — even amid significant roster turnover.
Alder Almo is a veteran NBA reporter for Heavy.com, covering the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. He brings over 20 years of experience across local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Originally from the Philippines, he is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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