OAKLAND — The notion of Draymond Green wearing a jersey other than the Golden State Warriors seemed inconceivable just a few years ago. A cornerstone of the franchise and the defensive anchor behind three NBA championships, Green has long been synonymous with the Warriors’ identity. Yet as Stephen Curry’s championship window continues to shrink, whispers of a potential blockbuster trade involving Green are gaining traction, raising eyebrows across the league.
ESPN insiders have floated a high-profile mock trade that would see Green depart the Bay Area in a multiteam deal bringing former NBA champion Anthony Davis to Golden State. The proposed trade, designed to improve the Warriors’ offensive firepower while maintaining defensive stability, would also move Jonathan Kuminga, whose role as a bench player has frustrated both the team and fans.
Under the mock trade scenario:
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Warriors would receive: Anthony Davis, Mason Plumlee
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Mavericks would receive: Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga, 2026 first-round pick (via Warriors)
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Lakers would receive: Buddy Hield
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Hornets would receive: Maxi Kleber, Dalton Knecht, and cash considerations (via Lakers)
Trading Green would represent a seismic shift for the Warriors, who have relied on his defensive brilliance to rank No. 4 in defensive efficiency this season. Yet Green’s offensive production has declined significantly. At 35, he is shooting just 38% from the field, marking the lowest efficiency of his career since his rookie season. Analysts note that even during Curry’s injury-shortened 2019-20 campaign, Green’s offensive output remained higher.
“Although Golden State continues to play at a high level with Green on the court, his 38% shooting split is alarming,” ESPN’s Kevin Pelton wrote. “Anthony Davis would provide the rim threat the Warriors have long sought while potentially restructuring their roster to save salary and strengthen their championship push.”
Draymond Green’s importance to the team is undeniable. His ability to orchestrate the defense, create plays, and mentor younger players has been pivotal for Golden State’s sustained success. Yet, with the team’s offense struggling and Curry’s window for another title narrowing, the trade discussion reflects the Warriors’ willingness to consider drastic measures.
Rumors surrounding Green’s trade potential remain conflicting. Insider Jake Fischer recently suggested that Giannis Antetokounmpo would be the only player for whom the Warriors might consider moving Green. “Golden State values him too much and would not part ways with Draymond Green unless it was for Giannis, and that’s really it,” Fischer said on the Insider Notebook podcast.
ClutchPoints analyst Brett Siegel added further nuance, noting the franchise’s conservative stance. “The Warriors WILL NOT be trading Draymond Green,” Siegel wrote on X. “It would require Green, Kerr, and Curry all signing off on such a move, and Green himself would need to request the trade.”
The multiteam trade scenario with Anthony Davis highlights the creative solutions NBA front offices are willing to explore, even if they remain speculative. The potential addition of Davis would provide a high-level rim presence, versatile scoring, and the playoff experience Golden State craves, but at the expense of losing one of the most influential figures in team history.
For Warriors fans, the mere possibility of Green being moved ignites intense debate. Can Golden State survive without its emotional and defensive leader? Would Davis integrate seamlessly into Steve Kerr’s system, or could the team chemistry be disrupted? As the February trade deadline approaches, the NBA world will be watching closely, waiting to see if one of the league’s most iconic players could be suiting up for a new team — or if Green’s loyalty and influence will ultimately keep him in Golden State.
The questions surrounding Draymond Green’s future are far from settled, but one thing is certain: the Warriors are at a crossroads, and the decisions made in the coming months could redefine the franchise’s trajectory for years to come.
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