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The Golden State Warriors were not happy to see that their decision to suspend Draymond Green for one game without pay was viewed as anything other than a fair rule following of the team's ethics code. Many around the media prompted the decision came across as the franchise siding with Kevin Durant and making it a potential recruitment pitch in hopes he remains with the team.
Per Tim Kawakami of The Athletic:
“Warriors management fumed when this move was viewed as the team picking Durant over Draymond, though it’s hard to independently scold anybody for coming to that conclusion. But after talking to several people, I believe that’s too simplistic.
Sure, the Warriors want to remain on good terms with Durant and sure, Warriors management believes Draymond was purposely forcing this issue by attacking Durant. But they suspended Draymond because Kerr didn’t want to let Draymond dictate the mood and terms of the rest of this season and the offseason, too.
If Durant (or anybody else) leaves, the Warriors want it to be about his own choice, not because Draymond barked that he should go. And if Draymond is upset enough about that to consider leaving when he’s a free agent in 2020, the Warriors were willing to take that chance.”
The Warriors couldn't simply take the easy way and suspend both parties for their role in the Staples Center locker room fiasco, given that Durant didn't violate any team policies by holding his teammate accountable.
The decision to suspend him could have been avoided by just fining him a set amount, but the Warriors thought it was best for Green to have a “cool down” game against an inexperience Atlanta Hawks team before rejoining the rotation after another day's rest.
Golden State was able to wash away the taste of this nightmarish saga after getting back on the win horse, but a disappointing three-game losing skid after a road trip in the Texas Triangle has only resurfaced the issues between these two and their impending futures.
