SAN FRANCISCO — Amid ongoing speculation regarding the Golden State Warriors’ interest in Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, Draymond Green stated on Friday night that he isn’t worried about his future with the team as next Thursday’s trade deadline approaches.
“I’ve been here for 14 years,” Green remarked. “I have no reason to sit and fret about leaving. But if I’m traded, that’s just part of the business. I’m not losing any sleep over it. I slept well last night.”
Team sources indicate there is a prevailing sentiment that everyone on the Warriors’ roster, except for star guard Stephen Curry, may be at risk as the front office pursues Antetokounmpo and evaluates how to reshape the lineup during the latter part of Curry’s career.
For salary-matching reasons, either Green, who earns $25.8 million this season, or injured forward Jimmy Butler, with a salary of $54.1 million this season, would need to be included in any trade package for Antetokounmpo. Antetokounmpo’s salary this season stands at $54.1 million.
Green played a pivotal role in the Warriors’ four championship runs in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022. even if his offensive output and shooting percentages have diminished as his career progresses, he remains the team’s starting power forward at age 35 and is regarded as one of the premier defenders in the league.
On Friday night, Green recorded 15 points, seven assists, and three rebounds in a 131-124 defeat against the Detroit Pistons.
Postgame, he was inquired about how much he would engage with general manager Mike Dunleavy and controlling owner Joe Lacob concerning his future ahead of the deadline. Green shares a long-standing rapport with both figures and often plays a consultative role during critical personnel decisions.
“I’m not going to stroll in there and say, ‘Yo, so what are you guys planning?'” Green noted. “I’ll be just like always. My phone is always on. I’m ready to collaborate in any way I can.”
