Draymond Green is at it again.
We’re barely into preseason, and the Warriors’ fiery forward is already the center of yet another controversial incident, this time a practice altercation with Jordan Poole. In the immediate aftermath, the Warriors said all the right things about downplaying the incident.
Stephen Curry spoke about it. Andre Iguodala tweeted about it. GM Bob Myers indicated it would stay internal.
And then someone leaked video of Green’s haymaker, which of course fueled the fire for more drama. He may be Golden State’s heart and soul, but Green’s act could be wearing thin after a history that includes an ill-timed Finals suspension that led to a blown 3-1 lead, a season-long public feud with Kevin Durant that led to his departure, and ongoing tension with Steve Kerr that dates all the way back to a halftime dust-up and suspension in 2016.
With the 32-year-old Green on the decline, is it time for Golden State to finally cut bait? Let’s break it down.
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Draymond Green contract
In the summer of 2019, Green signed a four-year, $99.7 million dollar extension that includes a player option for 2023-24. With Green set to make $27.6 million in the final year of that deal, most expect him to opt out after the third year and enter unrestricted free agency to land one more hefty payday.
| Season | Salary | Age |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | $22.2M | 30 |
| 2021-22 | $24.0M | 31 |
| 2022-23 | $25.8M | 32 |
| 2023-24 | $27.6M (option) | 33 |
This year’s Warriors are the most expensive team in NBA history with a roster that exceeds $400 million when you factor in luxury tax.
Right now, Green is the fourth-highest paid player on the team behind massive deals for Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins. In the not-too-distant future, they’ll have to ante up for Jordan Poole, James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, each of whom could command long-term deals starting north of $20 million.
MORE: NBA’s highest-paid players in 2022
Yes, it’s tough to imagine Green anywhere but Golden State, but no situation happens in a vacuum and the team’s balance sheet could point towards a deal sooner rather than later.
Green’s inherent value is in the locker room and on defense. The latest incident casts doubt on that first part.
While he can certainly dial it up, if Green no longer consistently defends at a high level — remember, he was benched and borderline unplayable for key stretches early in the NBA Finals — is he still worth the headache? Is it better to proactively move on before it’s too late?
Here are the four most intriguing (or entertaining) landing spots.
Draymond Green trade destinations
Atlanta Hawks
The trade:
- Hawks get: Draymond Green
- Warriors get: John Collins
The Hawks have been dangling Collins for what seems like forever. After acquiring defensive stalwart Dejounte Murray in the offseason, adding Green to a lineup with Clint Capela and De’Andre Hunter would suddenly give Atlanta a formidable defensive presence around noted traffic cone Trae Young.
For the Warriors, Collins would provide a massive upgrade offensively who can perform at a borderline All-Star level. He just turned 25, is locked into a reasonable contract through 2025 and helps the Warriors continue transitioning to the future without sacrificing much — if anything — in the present.
Who says no? The Warriors. While Collins helps reset the timeline, I’m not sure he’s the defensive presence Golden State covets and needs.
NBA PLAYER RANKINGS BY POSITION: PG | SG | SF | PF | C
Detroit Pistons
The trade:
- Pistons get: Draymond Green
- Warriors get: Bojan Bogdanovic, Nerlens Noel
A homecoming for Green, who was born and raised in Michigan before becoming a Michigan State legend. The young Pistons are still probably two years from making serious noise, but Green’s championship pedigree and defensive intensity would certainly be welcome for the development of Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey and Saddiq Bey.
Yes, the Pistons just traded for Bogdanovic, but he’s actually older than Green, also on an expiring deal and isn’t a lock to be a long-term piece in Detroit anyways. The Warriors get a high IQ offensive player to slot in while also fortifying the middle with Noel (or Isaiah Stewart, who could also be swapped into this spot).
Would the Warriors also need to give up a future pick? Perhaps.
Who says no: The Warriors. Bogdanovic certainly helps, but neither he nor Noel is a longer-term piece. If the Warriors actually break up their vaunted Big 3, you have to think they’d do so with an eye on the future.
Denver Nuggets
The trade:
- Nuggets get: Draymond Green, Moses Moody
- Warriors get: Michael Porter Jr.
OK, so now we’re getting saucy.
Personally, I think Green would love playing with Nikola Jokic. That instantly becomes the most cerebral passing frontcourt in league history. Green and Aaron Gordon together is certainly an odd fit and presents the Nuggets with a different set of challenges. Getting Moody gives the Nuggets another high-level prospect with two-way ability and a player who could blossom now with a bigger role.
MPJ would be like diet, caffeine-free Kevin Durant in Golden State, at least offensively. He’s nowhere remotely the defender of Durant (or the departed Green) but he would give the Warriors another major bridge-the-gap building block.
Who says no? Both teams. I get the sense that Denver wants to see what it has with everyone finally healthy. And while Porter Jr.’s talent is enticing, this trade would leave the Warriors with too many questions defensively, unacceptable for a defending champ with their eye on the prize.
Los Angeles Lakers
The trade:
- Lakers get: Draymond Green, Donte DiVincenzo, Patrick Baldwin Jr.
- Pacers get: Russell Westbrook, Lakers’ unprotected 2027 and 2029 first-round picks
- Warriors get: Myles Turner, Buddy Hield
Green is a Klutch client and tight with former Finals foe LeBron James. He would seemingly mesh well with a pair of high IQ players in James and Anthony Davis, and help stabilize a defense that ranked just 21st last season. DiVincenzo provides shooting and solid experience for a group of wings sorely lacking in depth.
The Pacers have been holding out for those two Lakers picks and could potentially try to secure another from Golden State.
Golden State replaces Green with another shot-blocking presence that also provides better spacing. Turner isn’t remotely in Green’s class as a passer so he wouldn’t be the cleanest fit in their read-and-react sets. Hield would give the Warriors yet more shooting, an embarrassment of riches.
Who says no? This trade can’t be completed until Oct. 6 due to DiVincenzo’s new deal. Yet I think his inclusion along with the flyer on Baldwin checks enough boxes for the Lakers.
We have a winner!
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