Draymond Green has spent his entire career as a member of the Golden State Warriors, but there’s a chance that could change in the coming days.
According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, the Warriors have included Green in active trade talks ahead of the NBA trade deadline later this week, specifically in a potential deal with the Milwaukee Bucks involving star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. Green’s salary could be critical when it comes to getting a deal done.
From ESPN:
“To make the salaries match, the Warriors have to put either injured wing Jimmy Butler III (making $56.8 million next season) or Green ($27.6 million next season) in the deal. Green has a smaller and easier-to-redirect contract, and he is currently healthy and able to contribute to a contender, unlike Butler, so he has been of more appeal to the Bucks and the rest of the league in deadline trade conversation.”
If the Warriors were to trade Green, it would truly represent the end of an era, though the former Defensive Player of the Year isn’t losing any sleep over the possibility.
“I’ve been here for 14 years,” Green replied recently when asked about his future. “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.”
After everything that he’s given the Warriors organization over the course of his career, Green probably isn’t too happy about being shopped around. But, he’s also a veteran and understands the business side of basketball.
Very few players get to spend their entire career with one team, and Golden State’s front office has an obligation to make the team as competitive as possible, even if it means moving some familiar faces.
Admittedly though, it would be very strange to see Green in a uniform other than the Warriors’.
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