In a stunning revelation, a recent report disclosed that Draymond Green, the heart and soul of the Golden State Warriors, 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 close to donning a different jersey for the first time.
Logan Murdock, a reporter from The Ringer, dropped this bombshell while appearing on Zach Lowe’s podcast, The Zach Lowe Show. Discussing the Warriors’ outlook for the offseason, Murdock revealed that a deal was in place to send Green to Memphis. The proposed trade would have brought significant pieces to Golden State, including Steven Adams, Dillon Brooks, and Tyus Jones.
Interestingly, Murdock noted that Steven Adams, who was nearly acquired by the Warriors, played a pivotal role in nearly eliminating Golden State in the first round of the playoffs. However, the trade fell apart due to a single sticking point: the Warriors’ desire for a backup point guard. When Tyus Jones was rerouted to the Washington Wizards, the deal collapsed, leaving Green in Golden State. This small detail underscores how even the slightest change can derail a major NBA trade.
Imagining Draymond Green in Memphis Grizzlies colors would have been a jarring sight for Warriors fans. It would have paired Green with fellow Michigan State Spartan Jaren Jackson Jr., the cornerstone center for a Memphis team that exited the playoffs in the first round this year.
At 35, Green continues to prove his defensive prowess, earning his fifth All-Defensive First Team selection this season. His impact on the defensive end was instrumental in guiding the Warriors to the second round of the NBA playoffs. However, his offensive production has noticeably declined, a sign of the veteran entering the twilight 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 seems secure for now. However, this near-trade revelation shows that Golden State is not afraid to consider moving even their most iconic players. The idea of Green leaving the Bay Area would have been unthinkable to many, but this report proves that no one is untouchable in the NBA.