Warriors could listen on Draymond Green, but a trade is another matter

The Warriors may be willing to hear what other teams would offer for Draymond Green. Actually finding a deal that makes them better is a considerably tougher assignment.

According to comments attributed to The Athletic’s Sam Amick by Joey Haverford of Heavy⁠, Green could be part of trade discussions closer to February.

“Of course they’re going to listen to deals about Draymond at the deadline,” Amick is quoted as saying. “He knows that.” 

There’s a lot of basketball between now and then. And nothing in that comment establishes that the Warriors are actively shopping Green or have decided his time with the franchise should end.

His limited scoring gives Golden State something to consider. But evaluating Green strictly by his points would leave out much of what he still provides.

He helps organize the offense, creates opportunities for Stephen Curry and remains a valuable defender who can handle minutes at center. A replacement would have to address some of those responsibilities, too.

Haverford raises the Kings as a possible fit, with Domantas Sabonis discussed as a potential return. That remains a scenario, not an established negotiation.

Sabonis would provide scoring, rebounding and passing from the middle. Moving Green, though, would also change how the Warriors defend. It wouldn’t be as simple as exchanging a limited scorer for a more productive one.

Then there’s Green’s history with Curry and his place in the Warriors’ championship years. That shouldn’t prevent the front office from considering an upgrade. It does make the decision bigger than matching salaries.

The Warriors owe it to Curry to explore ways to improve. They also need a convincing basketball reason before deciding that moving Green is one of them.