Draymond Green’s Tense Exchange with Steve Kerr Sparks Trade Speculation for the Warriors
Early in the third quarter of the Warriors’ convincing 120-97 victory over the Magic, a heated exchange erupted between Draymond Green and head coach Steve Kerr during a team huddle. Green, visibly frustrated, left the bench and retreated to the locker room, ultimately not returning to the game. He did, however, rejoin the bench for the fourth quarter. After the game, both Kerr and Green addressed the incident, with Kerr emphasizing the team’s need for Green, while Green assured that the matter wouldn’t linger and that they would move forward together. Yet, the incident raises questions about the dynamics within the Warriors and the implications for their season.
Green’s Struggles and Their Impact
This season has been a challenging one for Green offensively, marking one of the worst stretches of his career. Questions loom about whether the Warriors’ approach to handling Green is the right one, especially with the trade deadline looming on February 5. Sean Deveney from Heavy Sports reached out to executives to gauge their thoughts on Green’s future with the team.
Executives Weigh In on Trade Possibilities
Before the game, an Eastern Conference general manager highlighted Green’s unique skill set, suggesting it complements both Steph Curry and Kerr’s offensive strategies. “A lot of coaches would look at what he does and say, ‘I don’t want this guy,’” the GM noted. He also expressed concerns about Green’s influence on younger players, pointing out that many have struggled to find success under his mentorship.
Following the game, another executive weighed in on whether the recent tensions would prompt the Warriors to pursue trades more aggressively. “I don’t think anything changes there,” he said. “If they want to make a significant trade, they’ll need to include Draymond. But they’re not looking to just dump him.” This sentiment reflects the complexity of Green’s situation; he remains a valued asset within the organization, even amidst the speculation.
Potential Trade Scenarios Involving Davis
One trade scenario that has emerged revolves around the Dallas Mavericks, currently struggling with a 11-19 record and undergoing significant front-office changes. They may look to offload veterans for picks and young talent. In this context, Anthony Davis, a ten-time All-Star, has been mentioned as a potential trade target. Davis, who is in the first year of a lucrative three-year contract, has faced challenges, playing only 23 games since his acquisition in February.
A recent mock trade proposal suggested that the Warriors could acquire Davis in exchange for Green, Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield, and a 2026 first-round pick. Many, including Deveney, argue that the Warriors should seriously consider such an opportunity, particularly in light of Monday’s incident.
The Case for Keeping Green
Despite the trade chatter, the statistics paint a different picture of Green’s value. Over the past 13 seasons, the Warriors have posted a better net rating with Green on the court in 12 of those years, and his presence has consistently bolstered their defense. As long as he can rectify his turnover issues—highlighted by his single turnover in 18 minutes against the Magic—he remains a crucial player for the Warriors’ future.
On the night of the altercation, Green showed signs of improvement, scoring nine points on 4-of-5 shooting, including several much-needed driving layups. His support within the organization appears strong, with notable figures like Stephen Curry and Joe Lacob standing behind him. As long as Green can maintain his focus and not let the disagreement impact his performance, it seems likely that his allies in the franchise will continue to back him, regardless of the broader implications of Monday’s events.
