The Golden State Warriors were aggressively in the hunt for Giannis Antetokounmpo right up until the February 5, 2026 trade deadline — but Milwaukee made it clear the two-time MVP wasn’t available. Instead, Golden State pivoted and landed Kristaps Porzingis from Atlanta in a deal that sent Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield east.
Many assumed the Warriors had emptied their trade chest and closed the book on Giannis. Then came the bombshell from Warriors owner Joe Lacob on Friday (February 20, 2026), via Tim Kawakami of the San Francisco Standard:
“He (Green) was never discussed in a trade; Mike (Dunleavy Jr.) was 100% correct what he said. I know he got a lot of crap for that. And it did look defensive. I mean, I think he would say that in retrospect. I can tell you he was never shopped in any way. He’s a core person in our franchise. You don’t trade a Draymond Green simply or easily. You do it if you have to, and you’re getting tremendous value and you’re improving your team. Even Draymond has said he understands that. You have to look at these things. But his name was never specifically discussed with another team. And that’s the truth.”
Why This Is a Problem for Golden State’s Giannis Pursuit
Draymond Green has long been viewed as the Warriors’ most enticing trade asset in a potential Giannis blockbuster:
- Elite defender and playmaker
- Championship experience
- $27.7 million player option for 2026-27 (could be declined or restructured)
Without Green in the package, any midseason offer for Antetokounmpo would have been severely lacking in value. Milwaukee would have demanded young talent, picks, and salary matching — and Green was the piece that could have balanced the scales.
Lacob’s firm public stance that Green was never shopped and remains a “core person” sends a clear message: the Warriors are unwilling to move their veteran leader unless the return is overwhelmingly lopsided in their favor.
What This Means for the Summer Giannis Sweepstakes
The Warriors will have more flexibility in the offseason:
- Four first-round picks available
- $18M+ in cap space
- Potential sign-and-trade options with Porzingis
- Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski as additional tradeable pieces
They could still construct a massive offer for Giannis if Milwaukee ever softens. But if the Bucks demand Draymond as a centerpiece (for leadership, defense, and fit next to Giannis), Lacob’s comments suggest Golden State won’t budge — at least not publicly.
GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. has said the Warriors “still have the goods to make deals” after the Porzingis trade. But without Green as the anchor, matching salaries and value for a superstar like Giannis becomes significantly harder.
The Pivotal Offseason Decision Ahead
This summer will force the Warriors into a defining choice:
- Keep the core intact (Curry, Green, Porzingis, young depth) and hope for health and chemistry to push them deep in the West.
- Or go all-in on Giannis — which almost certainly requires moving Draymond and multiple first-round picks.
Lacob’s loyalty to Green is admirable — he’s a four-time champion, emotional heart of the dynasty, and still elite defensively. But in a loaded Western Conference, standing pat may not be enough to give Stephen Curry one last legitimate title window.
Warriors fans: Does Lacob’s stance protect the soul of the franchise — or close the door on the biggest swing they could take? Would you trade Draymond for Giannis? Comment your hot take below and share if you’re bracing for a dramatic offseason in the Bay!