Draymond Green is not in denial that his days with the Golden State Warriors could be numbered.
The Warriors have emerged as a top contender in the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline. With the Greek Freak carrying with him an annual salary north of $50 million, Golden State would need to send back large contracts to make any prospective trade work.
The Warriors could throw Jimmy Butler’s salary in any deal to match Giannis. But if the team decides they’d rather keep Butler instead, Green would almost certainly be involved to make salaries work. A combination of Draymond and Jonathan Kuminga would total just shy of $50 million.
On Saturday, Green was asked about the possibility of being included in a Giannis trade package.
“I’ve been here for 14 years. I have no reason to sit and worry about leaving,” Draymond said. “But if I’m traded, that’s part of the business, so it is what it is. 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, sleep’s well. Sleeping good.”
Green has indeed been a pillar of the Warriors’ dynasty over the past decade and a half. But folks could say the same about Klay Thompson before he was sent packing two seasons ago.
On the one hand, trading Green would feel like a betrayal for some fans, given what he’s meant to the franchise. On the other hand, sacrificing Draymond to land Giannis could also be seen as the team’s show of dedication to surrounding Steph Curry with the right pieces in the twilight years of his career.
