In a stunning revelation, a recent report has surfaced indicating that Draymond Green, the heart and soul of the Golden State Warriors’ defense, was nearly traded to the Memphis Grizzlies during the current NBA season. The 13-year veteran, who has spent his entire career with the Warriors, came tantalizingly close to donning a different jersey, a move that would have shocked the basketball world.
The news broke during a recent episode of Zach Lowe’s podcast, “The Zach Lowe Show,” where Logan Murdock of The Ringer discussed the Golden State Warriors’ offseason outlook. Murdock dropped a bombshell, revealing that a trade deal was in place to send Green to Memphis. “There was a deal in place to send Draymond to Memphis,” Murdock stated. The proposed trade would have seen the Warriors acquire Steven Adams, Dillon Brooks, and Tyus Jones in return.
Interestingly, the trade’s collapse hinged on a single detail: the Warriors’ desire for a backup point guard. According to Murdock, the deal fell apart when Tyus Jones was rerouted to the Washington Wizards, leaving the Warriors without the point guard they coveted. This small change derailed what could have been a blockbuster trade, ensuring Green remained in Golden State.
Imagining Draymond Green in Memphis Grizzlies colors is a surreal thought. The fiery forward would have teamed up with fellow Michigan State Spartan Jaren Jackson Jr., the cornerstone center for a Memphis team that exited in the first round of this year’s playoffs. Such a pairing could have reshaped the Grizzlies’ defensive identity, with Green’s tenacity complementing Jackson’s rim protection.
Green, now 35, continues to prove his defensive prowess, earning his fifth All-Defensive First Team selection this season. His impact was crucial for a Warriors team that reached the second round of the NBA playoffs. However, his offensive struggles were evident, highlighting the veteran’s evolving role as he nears the end of his career.
With one year left on his contract and a player option for the 2026-27 season, Green’s future with the Warriors seemed secure. Yet, this near-trade to Memphis reveals that even franchise cornerstones like Green are not untouchable. The Warriors’ willingness to consider moving one of their core players signals a potential shift in strategy as they navigate the competitive Western Conference.
The NBA trade market is often a game of fine margins, where the smallest details can make or break a deal. For now, Draymond Green remains a Warrior, but this close call serves as a reminder of how quickly the landscape can change in professional basketball.