It wasn't that long ago when the thought of Golden State Warriors trading away Draymond Green would be considered an absurd idea. After all, while he wasn't the most talented guy on the squad during its dynasty days, he was considered the heart and soul and the engine that kept the Warriors going.
The three-time All-Star was once considered untouchable, and the prototype of what a modern-day NBA frontcourt player should be like.
But times have truly changed, and it looks like Green’s supposed tenure status with The Bay has vanished like the Warriors’ cloak of invincibility.
His name has been linked to multiple trade rumors this early in the 2020-21 campaign. Most pundits believe that if the Warriors figure in yet another lost season, there’s a high chance the 30-year-old forward will be shipped elsewhere at some point this year.
The former Defensive Player of the Year is still under contract until 2023 and is owed under $24 million per season. While his battle with injuries over the last few years is worrisome, there’s still a lot of interest for the versatile big man.
The Warriors are hanging in there so far with a 4-4 win-loss slate but haven’t exactly looked like the world-beaters of the past.
Their offseason acquisition Kelly Oubre Jr. has severely underwhelmed while putting their chips behind Andrew Wiggins hasn’t exactly panned out the way they hoped for.
While these two young pieces are good trade baits, a possible deal involving Green would probably garner the most intrigue for the other 29 teams.
There are two trades that could be ideal for the Warriors, in the event they explore a trade for Draymond Green.
Green to the Trail Blazers
Green’s supposed availability in the market all began following reports that Portland Trail Blazers superstar Damian Lillard has been lobbying for years to acquire him.
The Trail Blazers certainly revamped their frontcourt this offseason and adding Green to the mix might be the final piece they need to contend with the juggernauts of the West.
The 6-foot-6 bruiser is one most underrated playmakers at his position, setting up a ton of great looks for Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson with his passing and screen-setting. He could provide the same role with the Trail Blazers, this time making plays for the dynamic duo of Lillard and CJ McCollum.
But as good as Green’s fit with the Trail Blazers seems on paper, it would be tough to set up a package to match his salary unless they get a third team involved. Rip City might have to give up Jusuf Nurkic, Zach Collins, and some of the young guys from their bench. Plus, the Warriors would definitely push for multiple draft picks for Green.
Green to Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are still searching for that third guy who can complement their prolific duo of Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis. While there are other younger and more talented options out there, Green is actually the guy who can fix the team’s defensive woes.
As promising as the Mavericks have been behind the ultra-talented Doncic, their inability to stop their opponents on the other end has held them back. Green’s ability to cover multiple positions would be a godsend for coach Rick Carlisle and should take some pressure off for their two stars. On offense, he can also take the ball off Doncic’s hands on some stretches and set the table up for his teammates.
Plus, Draymond Green’s leadership and championship experience should also benefit a promising but unproven youth-laden team.
The Mavericks actually have the pieces to make a deal of this magnitude happen. James Johnson’s expiring $16 million deal would be key, along with a group of young guys and future draft picks.
Dallas can even tinker around a package centered around Dwight Powell’s $11 million deal and add guys like Jalen Brunson, Josh Green, and a future first-round pick.
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