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Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors mimics Ivica Zubac of the Los Angeles Clippers after fouling him.
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green sounded like a player bracing for the end Tuesday night, even as the Warriors’ blockbuster pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo remains unresolved ahead of Thursday’s NBA trade deadline.
Draymond Green Emerges as Central Obstacle in Warriors’ Giannis Trade Talks
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Green has become the pivotal figure — and primary complication — in Golden State’s negotiations with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Stein reported that while the Warriors have aggressively explored a Giannis deal, Milwaukee has shown reluctance to absorb Green’s contract, creating a significant structural hurdle.
“The Stein Line was the first to report on Jan. 23 that Jimmy Butler would not be included in Golden State’s Giannis offers,” Stein wrote. “It has since been confirmed that the Warriors have indeed made Draymond Green part of their pitch to Milwaukee in presumed combination with Jonathan Kuminga, Milwaukee native Brandin Podziemski and draft capital.
“Yet here’s a tangible trade obstacle for the Warriors in their pursuit of Giannis: League sources say that Milwaukee has shown a reluctance to take Green’s contract back and would want him routed to a third team if talks progressed to an advanced stage.”
Contract Complications Cloud Golden State’s Giannis Pursuit
Green, 35, holds a $27.6 million player option for the 2026 season, making it difficult to find a third team willing to absorb his salary on short notice — especially in a trade that would already require complex salary matching and draft compensation.
That reality has slowed momentum in what would otherwise be one of the most seismic trades in recent NBA history.
Draymond Green Addresses His Warriors Future After Loss
Following Tuesday’s 113–94 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, Green spoke with unusual candor about the possibility that his long tenure in Golden State could be nearing its conclusion.
“I don’t know that it ends at 13 and a half, but if it does, what a [expletive] run it’s been,” Green said. “I’ll take the fine for it. What a [expletive] run it’s been. I’m blessed. I’m lucky. Grateful. My family has not had to move anywhere since I started my family. That’s incredible. I don’t take that for granted.”
The remarks were widely interpreted around the league as a reflection of Green’s awareness that his name has crossed a threshold in trade discussions — no longer untouchable, even amid a franchise-defining pursuit.
Lakers Mentioned as Potential Third-Team Landing Spot
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said Wednesday on Get Up that there are scenarios in which the Bucks could find a third team willing to take on Green’s contract.
Windhorst added that mutual interest exists between Green and the Los Angeles Lakers, a connection fueled by Green’s longstanding relationship with LeBron James, his friend and fellow Klutch Sports client.
“I can’t emphasize the number of ‘ifs’ I’ve said enough before I say this,” Windhorst said. “But the Los Angeles Lakers would be a team he would have interest in, and they would have interest in him. That would require the Bucks to take action on Giannis.”
James’ own future in Los Angeles remains uncertain, but the mere possibility has added another layer of intrigue — and speculation — to Green’s situation.
Crossing the Rubicon: What Comes Next for Draymond Green?
Despite Green’s decade-plus partnership with Stephen Curry, Windhorst suggested that the Warriors may have reached a point of no return by placing Green squarely into high-level trade talks.
“What I think is interesting is they have now crossed the Rubicon here with Draymond Green,” Windhorst said. “If he is not traded by tomorrow, it would not surprise me if these talks were revisited in the summer in the last year of his contract — whether it would be in another Giannis offer or somewhere else.”
For now, Golden State remains in a narrow window, balancing loyalty to a franchise cornerstone against the rare opportunity to acquire a two-time MVP. Whether the Warriors can solve the Green dilemma — or whether his future ultimately lies elsewhere — may define not just this deadline, but the next chapter of the dynasty itself.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in 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. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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