The Golden State Warriors are in full trade-deadline frenzy mode with just hours remaining until the February 5, 2026, cutoff (3 p.m. ET), as the team aggressively chases a major shakeup to extend Stephen Curry‘s championship window. Since Jimmy Butler‘s season-ending ACL tear, Golden State has been a constant in rumor circles—desperate for a win-now boost amid Curry’s twilight years (he’s still elite at 37 but the clock is ticking).
Central to any blockbuster? Draymond Green, the four-time champion and defensive anchor who’s spent his entire 14-year career in the Bay Area. ESPN’s Anthony Slater dropped a bombshell on February 3: The Warriors have involved Green in active trade conversations ahead of the deadline, putting his long tenure in serious jeopardy. Slater noted that Green’s name has surfaced in frameworks for offers to the Milwaukee Bucks for Giannis Antetokounmpo, as his $27.6 million salary next season is far easier to redirect than Butler’s $56.8 million (plus Butler’s injury makes him less appealing). Green is healthy, postseason-proven, and viewed as a valuable contributor to contenders—making him a more attractive chip.
What does “on the trade block” mean exactly? It’s not necessarily an open auction—Green isn’t being shopped indiscriminately to every team. Instead, he’s actively included in specific scenarios (especially the Giannis pursuit), per sources. Green himself is “well aware” of the possibility, as reported by The Athletic’s Sam Amick, and has been candid: He knows trades are business, but this is the only organization he’s known, and the emotional weight is real. Coach Steve Kerr has repeatedly said he wants Green to retire as a Warrior, but GM Mike Dunleavy and owner Joe Lacob are driving the motivation for a splash like Giannis.
Green’s 2025-26 Stats (Through 41 Games)
- 8.4 PPG
- 5.7 RPG
- 5.3 APG
- 0.9 SPG
- 0.7 BPG
- 41.6% FG
- 32.1% 3PT
At 35, his scoring has dipped, but his elite defense, playmaking, and championship IQ remain high-value. He has a $27.7 million player option for 2026-27, which could deter some suitors (potential half-season rental if he opts out), but others see it as manageable for a contender.
Potential Landing Spots for Green
If Green hits the market (or gets rerouted in a multi-team Giannis deal), several teams could emerge:
- Los Angeles Lakers — Need defensive IQ and leadership around Luka Dončić and LeBron James; Green’s playmaking and switchability fit their perimeter issues.
- Milwaukee Bucks — If Giannis leaves, Green could be a stopgap/redirect in a three-team setup, providing grit and familiarity (though ironic).
- San Antonio Spurs — Young core (Wembanyama) needs veteran glue; Green’s defense and leadership accelerate development.
- Minnesota Timberwolves — Already contending; Green adds championship experience and versatility to their defense-first identity.
Other contenders at the right price could jump in—anyone seeking a high-IQ, championship-caliber role player.
Why Now? Warriors’ Motivation
With Curry still performing at superstar level but the window narrowing (post-Butler injury), Golden State is pushing all-in. A Giannis acquisition would be transformative—pairing his dominance with Curry’s shooting—but it requires salary matching and assets (Kuminga, Podziemski, picks). Green’s inclusion is key for economics and appeal to Milwaukee. If no Giannis deal materializes, Green could still move elsewhere for a retool, though the priority is win-now.
Green has been chill publicly: “I’ve been here for 14 years. I have no reason to sit and worry about leaving. But if I’m traded, that’s part of the business.” The next 24-48 hours will decide if this is the end of an era or just deadline smoke.
Warriors fans, are you ready to see Draymond go for one last Curry run (maybe with Giannis)? Or does keeping him intact feel right? The clock is ticking—expect fireworks (or silence) by Thursday afternoon. 🔵🟡