SAN FRANCISCO — The unthinkable is happening in the Bay Area. For the first time in 14 years, the foundational pillar of the Golden State Warriors dynasty, Draymond Green, is officially on the trade block.
With the February 5, 2026, trade deadline less than 24 hours away, the NBA world is bracing for a seismic shift. Reports from ESPN’s Anthony Slater confirm that the Warriors, desperate to maximize the twilight of Stephen Curry’s prime, have engaged in active discussions to ship Green out of town in a blockbuster bid for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Desperate Gamble for The Greek Freak
The Warriors’ season hangs in the balance. Sitting at a mediocre 27-23 and clinging to the 8th seed in the Western Conference, the front office knows the current roster isn’t enough to contend. The situation became dire in January when Jimmy Butler—acquired to be the missing piece—suffered a season-ending ACL tear.
With Butler’s massive contract now virtually immovable, general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. has been forced to pivot. The only remaining asset with the salary and value to anchor a trade for a superstar of Giannis’s caliber is Draymond Green.
“It’s pretty obvious who they’re going after at this point,” Green said in a candid interview addressing the rumors. “When big salaries are being traded for big salaries, almost everybody’s name is rumored.”
The proposed package reportedly involves Green, rising star Jonathan Kuminga, and a treasure chest of draft picks. It is a steep price, but for a chance to pair Curry with “The Greek Freak,” it is a gamble the Warriors seem willing to make.
Draymond’s Reaction: “I Slept Incredible”
For a player who has worn only one jersey his entire career, one might expect anger or sadness. Instead, Draymond Green is projecting an air of serene professionalism.
“I’ve been here for 14 years. I have no reason to sit and worry about leaving,” Green told reporters. “But if I’m traded, that’s part of the business. So it is what it is. I ain’t losing no sleep though.”
When pressed on how he’s handling the stress of potentially his final days as a Warrior, Green doubled down with his trademark bluntness.
“I slept great last night. Incredible. I slept longer than I’ve slept in a long time. Sleeping good is easy when you get home.”
It is a stark contrast to the emotional volatility often associated with the Warriors’ passionate forward. His calm demeanor suggests a player who understands that the NBA is, first and foremost, a business—and perhaps, a player who is already looking toward his next chapter.
The LeBron James Connection
That next chapter could involve a familiar face. Green has never been shy about his friendship with LeBron James, and as the trade chatter heats up, so does the speculation about a potential team-up.
Green admitted that while he isn’t demanding a trade to LeBron’s team, the desire to share the court with the league’s all-time leading scorer is real. He cited their time together during the Paris Olympics as a teaser of what could be.
“I’ve always wanted that opportunity just to experience it,” Green confessed. “To see how he thinks, to see what I could do to help him… I think him and Steph share the want to take the court together, and they got that opportunity in Paris. I’ve always wanted that opportunity.”
With LeBron, now 41, still performing at an All-Star level for the Lakers, the narrative is writing itself. If Green is traded to a third team—potentially a rebuilding squad like the Pistons or Nets—a buyout could pave the way for him to sign with Los Angeles, finally uniting the Klutch Sports duo.
Steve Kerr: “It’s Different This Time”
Even Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, who has staunchly defended the team’s core for over a decade, admitted the vibe has shifted. In a somber media availability, Kerr acknowledged that for the first time since he took the job, Green’s name is legitimately in the mix.
“This is probably the first time since I’ve been here that his name has ever really been mentioned in trade talks,” Kerr said. “So it’s different. But it’s also part of the league.”
Kerr’s resignation hints at the harsh reality facing Golden State. The dynasty that revolutionized basketball with four championships is on its last legs. Klay Thompson is already gone (now with the Mavericks), and breaking up the Curry-Green duo would officially mark the end of an era.
What Happens Next?
The clock is ticking. The Bucks are reportedly hesitant, wary of sending Giannis to an aging roster where he might face the same “superteam” criticism that haunted Kevin Durant. However, the allure of Green’s playmaking and championship pedigree—plus the future assets—might be enough to seal the deal.
For Draymond Green, the future is uncertain but exciting. Whether he lands in Milwaukee, gets rerouted to a new city, or somehow remains in the Bay, he remains unfazed.
“My phone’s always on,” Green said, shrugging. “I’m always willing to collaborate in any way I can.”
Thursday’s deadline will not just determine where Draymond Green plays next; it will decide if the Golden State Warriors choose loyalty or a final, desperate shot at glory.
