PHOENIX — Draymond Green will continue to be with the Golden State Warriors beyond Thursday’s trade deadline, as confirmed by team sources to ESPN.
Green was part of the Warriors’ discussions and proposals to the Milwaukee Bucks regarding Giannis Antetokounmpo, but those talks did not gain significant momentum.
The Warriors have come to understand in recent days that the Bucks did not genuinely intend to trade Antetokounmpo, which led them to explore a deal for Atlanta Hawks center Kristaps Porzingis, sending Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield in exchange.
One of the reasons for pursuing Porzingis is the belief within the organization that his abilities as a rim-protecting big who can shoot a high volume of threes complement Green’s game well. Green, known for his defensive skills, prefers to have a strong presence beside him, allowing him to operate freely.
Porzingis’s availability is crucial for this partnership. He has only played 17 games this season and has been sidelined since January 7, but the Warriors believe he has overcome his left calf issue and is expected to debut shortly, according to team sources.
Green, who has faced trade deadline uncertainty like never before in his 14 years with the Warriors, is now assured he won’t be moved until at least the summer.
He has a $27.6 million player option for the final year of his current contract. Green expressed no resentment towards the organization for including him in trade talks.
“I think a lot of people want to know how I feel about it,” Green stated on Tuesday night. “Like, am I upset about it? I’m not at all. If [trading me is] what’s best for this organization, that’s what’s best for this organization. I’m not like, ‘Ah, they f—ed me over.’ I don’t really feel that way.”
