After suffering a humiliating 4-1 series defeat in the Western Conference Semifinals, the Golden State Warriors are due to make some changes to their roster.
For years, the Warriors have relied on Stephen Curry to bail out the team from critical situations. However, when Curry needed his teammates to step up? What happened?
Well, the Warriors lost four straight games against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round. What’s more concerning is that veterans like Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green were present on the roster.
But they were unable to help the Dubs win even one game as Curry was sidelined due to a hamstring strain after playing 13 minutes in the opening contest of the series.
Photo by David Berding/Getty ImagesIt’s time for the Golden State Warriors to trade Draymond Green
There’s no denying Green’s importance in the Dubs winning four NBA Championships in the modern era as the former 35th overall pick served as a defensive anchor for the team.
But at 35 years old, Green is no longer the star he once was for the team. For instance, he averaged just 9.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game in the playoffs.
One could argue Green’s impact has never been limited to his numbers in the box score. Fair. However, Green being on the roster is hindering the growth of other Warriors players.
While the 4x NBA champion’s primary position is power forward, head coach Steve Kerr has often used him as a center in his small-ball lineups.
This has led to the likes of Jonathan Kuminga and Kevon Looney’s roles being shaken up. So much so that both Kuminga and Looney may depart in the offseason.
Considering Kuminga and Looney are yet to reach 30 years of age, it would be wise to part ways with Green rather than two players who can potentially extend the Warriors’ championship window.
Draymond Green’s aggression is his biggest foe
Let’s assume coach Kerr demotes Green to the bench in favor of Kuminga or Looney, can the Dubs keep the former DPOY on the team? To be honest, no.
After all, the biggest issue with Green in recent years has been his out-of-control aggression. Be it his scuffle with Houston Rockets’ Steven Adams or choking Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert, Green has failed to keep his aggression in check.
And how can one forget Green’s role in the departure of Jordan Poole, as he punched the young star during a practice session?
For context, from 2023 to 2025, Green has received 47 technical fouls and 7 ejections. He has also been suspended for a combined 19 games during the same tenure.
Let’s not forget this bold move would also free up $25.8 million in cap space for the Warriors, which can be used to trade for a talented star.