Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has become a central sticking point in the team’s ongoing efforts to secure Giannis Antetokounmpo before the NBA trade deadline this Thursday. Despite aggressive negotiations, the Warriors face significant challenges largely due to Green’s involvement in the potential deal with the Milwaukee Bucks.
NBA insider Marc Stein highlighted that Green has evolved into the primary complication obstructing progress between Golden State and Milwaukee. While the Warriors have proposed including Green along with Jonathan Kuminga, Bucks hometown player Brandin Podziemski, and draft picks, Milwaukee remains hesitant to take on Green’s contract directly.
The Stein Line was the first to report on Jan. 23 that Jimmy Butler would not be included in Golden State’s Giannis offers,
Marc Stein wrote.
It has since been confirmed that the Warriors have indeed made Draymond Green part of their pitch to Milwaukee in presumed combination with Jonathan Kuminga, Milwaukee native Brandin Podziemski and draft capital.
Yet here’s a tangible trade obstacle for the Warriors in their pursuit of Giannis: League sources say that Milwaukee has shown a reluctance to take Green’s contract back and would want him routed to a third team if talks progressed to an advanced stage.
Contractual Challenges Complicate Golden State’s Quest for Giannis
At 35 years old, Draymond Green carries a player option valued at $27.6 million for the 2026 season. This sizable salary commitment has made it difficult for the Warriors to find a third team willing to absorb Green’s contract swiftly, adding layers of complexity to the already intricate trade demands, which include salary matching and draft pick compensation.
The unwillingness or inability of other teams to take Green’s contract under short notice continues to stall what could be one of the most impactful trades in recent NBA history.
Draymond Green Reflects on His Future After Recent Defeat
Following the Warriors’ 113–94 defeat to the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, Green spoke openly about the possibility that his long tenure with Golden State may be coming to an end. His remarks suggested an acceptance of the situation amid rising trade speculation involving his name.
I don’t know that it ends at 13 and a half, but if it does, what a [expletive] run it’s been,
Green stated.
I’ll take the fine for it. What a [expletive] run it’s been. I’m blessed. I’m lucky. Grateful. My family has not had to move anywhere since I started my family. That’s incredible. I don’t take that for granted.
These comments have been widely understood across the league as a sign that Green recognizes he is no longer untouchable in trades, even in the midst of Golden State’s pursuit of a franchise-altering player like Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Los Angeles Lakers Proposed as Potential Third-Party Destination for Green
On ESPN’s Get Up, analyst Brian Windhorst mentioned that the Bucks might look to a third team to take on Green’s contract if the Giannis trade advances. Windhorst noted that there is mutual interest between Green and the Los Angeles Lakers, largely due to Green’s close relationship with Lakers star LeBron James, who is also a Klutch Sports client.
I can’t emphasize the number of ‘ifs’ I’ve said enough before I say this,
Windhorst explained.
But the Los Angeles Lakers would be a team he would have interest in, and they would have interest in him. That would require the Bucks to take action on Giannis.
LeBron James’ own status with the Lakers remains uncertain, adding an element of suspense to Green’s possible move and the broader trade scenario.
What Lies Ahead for Draymond Green and the Warriors’ Dynasty
Though Green and Stephen Curry have formed a core partnership for over a decade, Windhorst suggested that Golden State appears to have moved beyond hesitation by involving Green directly in high-level trade discussions. Should Green not be traded before the deadline, it is likely that talks could resume during the offseason, either as part of another attempt to secure Giannis or in different negotiations.
What I think is interesting is they have now crossed the Rubicon here with Draymond Green,
Windhorst observed.
If he is not traded by tomorrow, it would not surprise me if these talks were revisited in the summer in the last year of his contract—whether it would be in another Giannis offer or somewhere else.
As the Warriors approach a narrow window of opportunity to add a two-time MVP like Giannis Antetokounmpo, they must balance loyalty to a franchise cornerstone against the transformative potential of this trade. Resolving the Draymond Green trade obstacle will likely be a defining moment, not just for the immediate deadline, but for the future direction of Golden State’s dynasty.
