Since being selected with the 35th overall pick in the second round of the 2012 NBA Draft, forward Draymond Green has been a mainstay for the Golden State Warriors for 14 seasons. He has provided toughness, defensive tenacity, and leadership during a run that includes four championships.
With the Warriors in pursuit of a big name prior to Thursday’s trade deadline, specifically Milwaukee Bucks’ star Giannis Antetokounmpo, it may take Green’s salary to get a deal done.
Will the Warriors Deal Draymond Green?
The Warriors obviously would like to make Green a Warrior for life, and all signs point to his desire to finish his career in the Bay. However, with the Warriors’ pursuit of Antetokounmpo, Green’s salary may be needed in order to pull off a trade.
Antetokounmpo is making $54,126,450 this season, meaning a hefty salary is going to have to come back. Veteran Jimmy Butler is making $54,126,450 this season, but Butler has a guaranteed deal worth $56,832,773, which would likely make any team hesitant to deal for him.
Green is being paid $25,892,857 this season and could be packaged with another player, perhaps disgruntled forward Jonathan Kuminga, who is making $22,500,000 this season, to help match salaries and get a deal done without involving another team.
Green was asked about a potential deal on Friday night. “We’ll see, I’m not going to go up there and be like yo tell me what y’all doing,” Green joked. “Same as I always am. My phone is always on. I’m always willing to collaborate any way I can.”
Draymond Green as the trade deadline approaches: “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.”
“I ain’t losing no sleep though. I slept great last night.” pic.twitter.com/VueYUsKilO
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 31, 2026
Green, however, isn’t worried about being dealt. “I’ve been here for 14 years,” Green answered when asked about potentially being traded. “I have no reason to sit and worry about leaving. But if I’m traded, that’s part of the business. It is what it is.”
In fact, he feels great. “I ain’t losing no sleep though. I slept great last night. Incredible. I slept longer than I’ve slept in a long time so sleeps well, sleeping well.”
Green has obviously taken a big step back recently. He’s averaging 8.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in 26.5 minutes per game. He’s shooting 41.3% from the field, 31.4% from three, and 69.4% from the free-throw line.
Of course, Green has always been known for his defense and his ability to fit well in the Warriors’ system alongside Stephen Curry, and you can see that he is still able to fill that role. Although the Warriors’ rally came up short in a 131-124 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Friday night, Green had 15 points, seven assists, and six rebounds in 33 minutes before fouling out.
It would take a lot for the Warriors to deal away Green, but if it could net them one of the league’s truly elite players in Antetokounmpo, it’s a deal they would have to make. The trade deadline is February 5 at 3:00 p.m. ET.
