The Warriors Have FINALLY Solved Their Problem

Few teams in NBA history have captured the imagination of basketball fans like the Golden State Warriors. Their blend of star power, tactical innovation, and championship pedigree has made them a model franchise for a decade. But as the 2024-25 season unfolds, the Warriors find themselves at a crossroads—beset by internal drama, aging stars, and the relentless demands of a league that never stops evolving.

At the center of the storm is Draymond Green, the fiery veteran whose leadership and defensive brilliance have long been the glue holding Golden State together. Yet, recent weeks have exposed cracks in that foundation, raising questions about his role, the team’s chemistry, and the path forward as the trade deadline looms.

Draymond Green: Frustration and Fallout

The Center Conundrum

Draymond Green has always played bigger than his listed size, anchoring the Warriors’ “death lineup” and switching across all five positions. But as he approaches his mid-30s, the physical toll is mounting. League sources report Green’s growing frustration at being asked to guard centers night after night—players often 40 or 50 pounds heavier. Once a defensive chess master, Green now finds himself overmatched physically, and the strain is beginning to show.

The Locker Room Incident

The tension boiled over during a recent game, when Green and head coach Steve Kerr had a heated exchange on the bench. Green, a former Defensive Player of the Year and team leader, walked to the locker room of his own volition—a rare occurrence in the NBA. In decades of covering the league, few have seen a veteran player eject himself from a game, especially during a comeback effort.

This wasn’t an isolated event. Green had been ejected in the second quarter of the previous game, and his issues staying on the floor are becoming a pattern. The Warriors, ironically, won both games—raising uncomfortable questions about Green’s impact and the team’s best path forward.

The Warriors’ December Slide

A Season of Struggles

Golden State has lost nine of their last 15 games, marking the worst stretch of their season. The team’s struggles in close games are particularly glaring, with a 36% win rate in clutch situations—ranking 25th in the NBA. Fourth-quarter collapses have become routine, pointing to problems in both personnel and coaching.

The Turning Point

Yet, after two intentional and one incidental change, the Warriors appear to have found a spark. The first change: a rotation shakeup involving Buddy Hield. The second: Draymond Green’s absence due to ejection and benching. Both moves have provided clarity and, perhaps, a blueprint for the future.

Buddy Hield: From Key Addition to Trade Bait

The Shooting Struggles

Buddy Hield arrived in Golden State with a reputation as one of the league’s premier three-point shooters, trailing only Stephen Curry in threes made over the previous four seasons. But this year, Hield has struggled mightily, shooting a career-low 32.6% from deep—seven points below his average. With just 42 made threes, he ranks 98th in the league, behind even Russell Westbrook.

The Defensive Deficit

On defense, Hield has fallen behind his replacement, Will Richard, in almost every metric: defensive win shares, deflections, points allowed in the paint, and overall rating. Richard, shooting 42% from three, has elevated the Warriors with his energy, defense, and clutch shooting—particularly in a recent game where he scored 20 points in 19 minutes to secure a win.

The Trade Deadline Looms

With the trade deadline approaching, Hield’s $10 million annual contract (with two years remaining) is a potential obstacle. To move him, Golden State would likely need to package picks or young talent—perhaps in a rumored deal for Michael Porter Jr. involving Brooklyn and a third team. The Warriors’ front office faces a difficult decision: stick with the struggling veteran or pivot to a more impactful player.

Draymond Green’s Ejection: Blessing in Disguise?

The Suns Game

Green’s ejection against the Phoenix Suns was contentious. After shoving Colin Gillespie, Green was tossed, prompting postgame criticism from Kerr, who contrasted the call with Dylan Brooks’s prior game assault on Curry—a flagrant one, but no ejection.

Yet, the Warriors responded by overcoming a nine-point deficit, with Richard’s hot hand leading them to victory. The team appeared more cohesive and energetic without Green’s presence.

The Magic Game

A few nights later, a heated argument between Green and Kerr led to Green leaving the bench and heading to the locker room, not to return. The Warriors went on a 41-18 run, blowing out the Magic and getting much-needed separation from an Eastern Conference playoff contender.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

In December, the Warriors played 13 games, winning four and losing nine. With Green, they won two and lost seven (22% win rate). Without him, they split two and two (50% win rate). Notably, the two “wins with Draymond” were games where the team extended their lead after Green left the floor. In fourth-quarter closers, the Warriors are 0-for-9 with Draymond in December.

This isn’t an indictment of Green’s career or value, but it does suggest the need for a role adjustment—perhaps moving him to the bench and rethinking his minutes in closing lineups.

The Jimmy Butler Question: Who Controls the Ball?

Locker Room Dynamics

A month ago, Jimmy Butler expressed frustration in postgame interviews about his role and ball control in late-game situations. Many pointed fingers at Jonathan Kuminga, but Butler clarified that the issue was about touches and opportunity.

Green responded, admitting he needed to do a better job of ensuring Butler gets the ball in crucial moments. “I’ve always been that guy here to make sure the ball moves around,” Green said. “I didn’t do a good job of that tonight, and I need Jimmy to be more aggressive and demonstrative.”

The Results Speak

After winning a game without Green, Butler confirmed the difference: “Got the ball more, if we’re brutally honest.” The Warriors’ recent wins have come when Butler controls the offense in crunch time, not Green.

The Lineup Dilemma

Steve Kerr has committed to a permanent starting lineup featuring both Green and Butler. But with trade rumors swirling and Kuminga’s effort waning outside a consistent role, the Warriors may need another shakeup.

The likely scenario if Green moves to the bench is a return to a lineup of Steph Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Butler, and Quinton Post. Podziemski has thrived in a bench role and could step up if Green is relegated. Kerr has also stated he wants Melton at around 20 minutes per game, with Alford returning soon from injury, rounding out a deep bench rotation.

The Locker Room: Tension, Trades, and the Search for Chemistry

Kuminga’s Role

Jonathan Kuminga’s situation epitomizes the Warriors’ locker room tension. Once seen as a future star, Kuminga now finds himself relegated to spot minutes, his effort inconsistent and his role undefined. Trade rumors only add to the uncertainty.

The Bench Rotation

With Melton, Alford, and Green likely forming the core of the bench, the rest of the roster will cycle through based on performance and matchups. Those struggling will collect DNPs, waiting for another chance as Kerr juggles rotations in search of winning combinations.

The Warriors’ Path Forward: Trade Deadline and Beyond

What Should Golden State Do?

With the trade deadline fast approaching, the Warriors face critical decisions. Should they move Buddy Hield for more impactful talent? Is it time to adjust Draymond Green’s role permanently? Can they find a lineup that maximizes Jimmy Butler’s strengths without sacrificing defense and ball movement?

The answer may lie in embracing change. The Warriors’ recent wins have come with bold moves—benching veterans, trusting young players, and giving Butler the reins in crunch time. The front office must weigh the risks and rewards of trading contracts, retooling rotations, and possibly saying goodbye to beloved veterans.

The Dynasty Question: Is This the End?

The Legacy of Draymond Green

Draymond Green’s legacy in Golden State is secure. A future Hall of Famer, his defensive genius and emotional leadership helped deliver multiple championships. But as age and frustration mount, his role must evolve. Whether he accepts a bench role or finds a new home via trade, Green’s impact will be felt for years to come.

The Warriors’ Window

Stephen Curry remains an elite scorer, but the supporting cast is in flux. The team’s struggles in close games, locker room tension, and declining defensive metrics point to a need for reinvention. The Warriors may be at the end of an era, but with smart moves and bold decisions, they could open a new chapter.

Conclusion: Golden State at a Crossroads

The Golden State Warriors are more than a basketball team—they’re a dynasty, a culture, and a symbol of excellence. But dynasties don’t last forever, and the 2024-25 season may be the inflection point.

Draymond Green’s saga, Buddy Hield’s struggles, Jimmy Butler’s emergence, and the looming trade deadline all point to a franchise in transition. The Warriors must decide: cling to the past or embrace the future. Adjust the rotation, make the tough trades, and empower the next generation—or risk fading into irrelevance.

As fans and analysts watch closely, one thing is clear: the Warriors’ next moves will define not only this season, but the legacy of a franchise that changed the game. The crossroads is here. What happens next is up to them.