Warriors Predicted to Part with $62 Million Four-Time NBA Champion via Trade
The Golden State Warriors have long been known as one of the NBA’s most successful and innovative franchises. With the combination of elite shooting, unselfish ball movement, and defensive versatility, the Warriors built a dynasty that has shaped the modern game. Over the past decade, the Warriors have consistently contended for championships, capturing four titles in the 2010s. A major reason for their success has been their well-rounded roster, led by stars like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. However, as the 2024-2025 NBA season unfolds, whispers around the league suggest that the Warriors could part ways with a significant piece of their championship core.
The player in question is none other than Draymond Green, the four-time NBA champion, three-time All-Defensive Team selection, and defensive anchor of the Warriors. As Golden State continues to navigate a new phase of its championship window, the question arises: Should the Warriors trade Draymond Green? With a hefty contract worth approximately $62 million remaining and the team potentially looking to reshape its roster, the possibility of a trade involving Green could become more likely in the coming months.
The Case for Parting Ways with Draymond Green
Age and Contract Concerns
At 34 years old, Draymond Green is no longer the young, fiery defender who burst onto the scene in the 2010s. While still a key defensive player, Green’s age is beginning to show, and his once-predominant athleticism is slowly starting to decline. With the NBA’s increasing focus on youth and athleticism, the Warriors are now faced with the reality that Green may no longer be able to maintain the level of play he’s exhibited over the past several seasons.
Green’s current contract, which has one more year remaining on a $62 million deal, is also a significant financial commitment for the Warriors. The Warriors have long been willing to pay the luxury tax for their championship-contending roster, but with the rise of younger players like Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and James Wiseman, it’s becoming apparent that the Warriors may need to reallocate their resources to remain competitive long-term. Additionally, Green’s high salary means that any trade involving him would be an expensive proposition for the Warriors.
The Warriors’ financial flexibility has been a topic of discussion over the past few years, especially as the team looks to balance its aging core with the need to develop younger talent. Parting ways with Green could free up significant cap space, allowing Golden State to invest in other areas of their roster or re-sign key contributors in the future. While it would be a difficult decision to part with a player of Green’s caliber, the Warriors may see it as a necessary move to maintain their long-term financial health.
Shift in Team Identity
The Warriors’ identity has always been centered around three core pillars: elite shooting, unselfish ball movement, and strong defense. While the team has maintained its offensive brilliance with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson leading the charge, the defensive side of the ball has slowly started to lose its edge over the past few seasons. Green has been the leader of Golden State’s defense for nearly a decade, known for his ability to guard multiple positions, switch seamlessly on pick-and-rolls, and provide help defense in critical moments.
However, the Warriors’ overall defense has started to slip, particularly in the 2024-2025 season. Despite Green’s continued efforts on that end of the floor, Golden State has found it difficult to match the defensive intensity that propelled them to championships in the past. With the emergence of younger players like Kuminga, who has shown promise as a versatile defender, and the team’s increasing reliance on offensive firepower, the Warriors may be considering a shift in team identity. Trading Green could be a way to reshape their roster to better align with the current direction of the franchise.
Moreover, Green’s offensive contributions have never been his primary strength, and as he ages, it’s become increasingly clear that the Warriors may need to seek a more traditional scoring option at the forward position. Trading Green could provide an opportunity for the Warriors to acquire a player who better complements Curry and Thompson’s offensive style.
Roster Balance and Financial Flexibility
With a roster that includes high-priced veterans like Curry, Thompson, and Green, the Warriors have long been a luxury tax team, but they now face an important decision regarding roster balance and financial flexibility. The Warriors have invested heavily in their established core but have also made moves to build out their depth with younger players. Kuminga, in particular, has shown flashes of brilliance and could be primed for a larger role in the near future. Wiseman and Moody also represent potential long-term assets for Golden State.
If the Warriors are serious about building a roster that is both financially sustainable and capable of competing for championships in the future, trading Green could allow them to balance the payroll more effectively. With multiple young players on rookie contracts and the ability to move off Green’s massive contract, the Warriors could pursue additional pieces that better fit their evolving needs. Moreover, Green’s trade could open up a potential trade package that helps the Warriors acquire a more well-rounded forward or even a rim-protecting center, something that has been a challenge for the Warriors in recent years.
Potential Trade Destinations for Draymond Green
1. The Atlanta Hawks: A Contender in the Making
The Atlanta Hawks are one of the teams that have been frequently mentioned as a potential destination for Draymond Green. The Hawks, with a core led by Trae Young, De’Andre Hunter, and Clint Capela, have the potential to build a competitive roster capable of making deep playoff runs. However, they are still searching for the defensive anchor and leader who could complement their offensive firepower.
Green would be an excellent fit for Atlanta’s defense, bringing versatility, leadership, and experience. His ability to guard multiple positions and set the tone for a team defensively could elevate the Hawks into a more well-rounded contender. Additionally, Atlanta has the financial flexibility to absorb Green’s contract, and with the Warriors needing to make a financial decision, this trade could work for both sides.
In return, the Warriors could look for a forward or center who could offer immediate impact. The Hawks have assets such as John Collins, who is a capable forward and could potentially fill the void left by Green’s departure. A package including Collins, draft picks, or young players like Onyeka Okongwu could make sense for Golden State as they look to bolster their roster for the future.
2. The Portland Trail Blazers: Rebuilding with a Defensive Presence
The Portland Trail Blazers, currently in a rebuilding phase, could be another team that might pursue a trade for Draymond Green. With Damian Lillard’s future in Portland uncertain, the Blazers have shifted their focus to developing young talent, including Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe. Adding a veteran like Green could provide the team with leadership, a defensive identity, and a valuable presence in the locker room.
For the Warriors, a trade with Portland could involve a combination of draft picks and young players. For example, the Blazers have multiple first-round picks in the coming seasons, and they could use those picks to help the Warriors reshape their roster. Additionally, players like Jusuf Nurkic or Jerami Grant could be included in a deal to give Golden State a more balanced roster, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
3. The Phoenix Suns: Adding Depth for a Championship Push
The Phoenix Suns have been one of the top teams in the Western Conference over the past few seasons, and after acquiring Kevin Durant, their championship window is now wide open. However, the Suns could use a versatile defensive player like Draymond Green to complement their already potent offense. Green’s leadership and ability to guard multiple positions would give Phoenix the edge it needs on the defensive end of the floor, especially in high-pressure playoff matchups.
For Golden State, a trade with Phoenix could involve a combination of players and picks. The Suns have players like Jae Crowder and Deandre Ayton, both of whom could provide the Warriors with the kind of frontcourt presence and depth they need. A package involving Ayton or Crowder, along with a draft pick or two, could make sense for the Warriors as they continue to shape their roster for the future.
The Emotional Impact of Trading Draymond Green
While the business side of the NBA always takes precedence, the emotional impact of trading a player like Draymond Green cannot be overlooked. Green has been a cornerstone of the Warriors’ success, both on and off the court. His fiery leadership, his trash talk, and his ability to step up in big moments have made him one of the most iconic figures in the team’s history.
Trading Green would mark the end of an era for the Warriors. He has been a key part of all four of their championships and is a symbol of the team’s defensive identity. However, as the Warriors move into a new phase, the reality of salary cap constraints and the need to balance the roster could push them to make a difficult decision.
Conclusion: Is Draymond Green’s Time in Golden State Coming to an End?
While trading a four-time NBA champion and a player who has been instrumental in Golden State’s success may seem unthinkable to some, it’s clear that the Warriors are at a crossroads. With financial considerations, roster balance, and a shift in identity, the Warriors may be faced with the reality that parting ways with Draymond Green is the best move for the future of the franchise.
Whether Green is traded to a contender looking for defensive help or to a rebuilding team looking for leadership, his departure would mark the end of an era in Golden State. However, as the Warriors continue to chase their fifth championship in recent years, they must make the decisions that will best position them for the future—regardless of the emotional attachment to their past success.
