The Golden State Warriors may already be thinking creatively about how to land Giannis Antetokounmpo without permanently sacrificing the core that has defined their dynasty. According to ClutchPoints insider Brett Siegel, one rival executive believes Draymond Green could be willing to play a pivotal and temporary role in a blockbuster trade.
“One rival executive who has dealt with the Warriors before in trade talks spoke with ClutchPoints on Sunday and brought up the interesting scenario where Green himself could be on board with such a maneuver, where he could be traded and return next season alongside Curry, Butler and Antetokounmpo, since he owns a $27.6 million player option.”
At the center of the idea is Green’s contract. His roughly $25 million salary this season is essential for matching Antetokounmpo’s $54 million cap hit, making him the cleanest financial bridge in a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks. Without Green included, Golden State would struggle to construct a legal trade framework.
Why the Warriors Would Consider It
From Golden State’s perspective, this maneuver solves two major issues at once. First, it allows the team to pursue Antetokounmpo while avoiding a long-term commitment to Jonathan Kuminga, whose fit and future contract have been lingering questions for two seasons. Kuminga would likely become the centerpiece for Milwaukee, paired with draft capital as the Bucks search for a post-Giannis franchise pillar.
Second, the timeline aligns cleanly with Stephen Curry’s remaining window. Curry is under contract through next season, and a Giannis pairing would give the Warriors two postseason runs to chase another title before facing major roster decisions in 2027.
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A Calculated Gamble for Both Sides
In this scenario, Golden State would push all-in this postseason with Curry and Antetokounmpo, then potentially welcome Green back next year while Jimmy Butler returns from injury around the All-Star break. It would be a final, high-stakes run for a veteran core nearing free agency.
Green’s willingness to “fall on the sword” would be unprecedented, but not out of character. Following the Warriors 73-9 season that fell short of a championship back in 2016, Green was eligible for a $93 million max deal. Instead he settled for an $82 million deal making space for Golden State to land All-Star forward Kevin Durant. A move that would eventually lead to back-to-back championship victories. For now, he remains the defensive anchor of the Warriors, averaging 8.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and a team-leading 5.3 assists while starting 41 games, the most on the roster.
For Milwaukee, the decision hinges on leverage. Is Kuminga and Golden State’s future draft equity enough now or is patience the smarter play this offseason?