Draymond Green could be traded if Warriors stumble, longtime insider says

Draymond Green trade speculation usually arrives, creates noise and disappears.

This time could be different.

Longtime Warriors reporter Marcus Thompson II raised the possibility of Golden State trading Green during an appearance on The Kevin O’Connor Show, saying the direction of the franchise could become clear by the February deadline.

“This is gonna be tough, and we could really, fully be saying goodbye,” Thompson said. “Draymond could be traded at the trade deadline.”

To be clear, Thompson was offering a prediction, not reporting that Golden State is actively shopping Green. His point, as relayed by Thomas L. Murray of the California Post, was that a poor start could force the Warriors to finally dismantle their aging core.

Green, 36, is earning $27.7 million on an expiring contract. Jimmy Butler, who turned 37 this week and is recovering from a torn ACL, also can become a free agent next summer.

Stephen Curry is approaching free agency as well, but Thompson dismissed the possibility of Golden State moving him, describing Curry as a franchise “lifer.”

The Warriors have approximately $100 million in expiring contracts and therefore possess unusual flexibility. Trading Green would still be complicated. He would be an expensive rental, and Golden State likely wouldn’t receive anything resembling a superstar return.

The symbolism would matter more than the package.

Klay Thompson is already gone. If Green follows, Curry would become the final pillar standing from the dynasty that won four championships.

If the Warriors win, this conversation disappears. If they stumble, the trade deadline may become less about repairs and more about demolition.