Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. has firmly denied that star player Draymond Green was included in any trade negotiations concerning Giannis Antetokounmpo before the NBA trade deadline. Speaking to reporters on Saturday ahead of the Warriors’ game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Dunleavy dismissed rumors as misleading and overstated, clarifying that Green’s status with the team was never seriously in question.
Dunleavy explained,
“His name was not in conversations other than the ones where teams call me and ask about him, which they do every year. So nothing’s new there.”
He stressed that despite media speculation, Green was never close to being traded.
Assurances That Green Was Not a Near-Term Trade Candidate
The Warriors’ front office made it clear that Draymond Green’s future in Golden State was secure throughout the deadline period. Dunleavy highlighted how reports suggesting Green might be moved were greatly exaggerated, stating,
“It was never, never a possibility of him not being here — remotely close to me, to be honest — and I’ve conveyed that to him.”
He also noted the impact public rumor mill chatter had on Green, saying,
“When stuff comes up in the media, it feels different for players. I think that’s the first time it happened for Draymond, so he’s dealing with it in a certain way.”
Discrepancies in Trade Discussions Involving Giannis Antetokounmpo
During the deadline, the Warriors were often linked to acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo, but no trade materialized. NBA insider Marc Stein had previously reported that the Warriors’ hypothetical proposal included Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga, Milwaukee native Brandin Podziemski, alongside several valuable draft picks controlled by Golden State.
However, Dunleavy rejected that Green was formally part of any trade offer. He stated,
“But the reality is, nothing was close and nothing was considered. Draymond was not being shopped or talked about in deals, so it’s a little misleading.”
Milwaukee Bucks Maintain Stance on Giannis, Prompting Warriors’ Shift
The Milwaukee Bucks ultimately decided not to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo, ending all speculation of a blockbuster deal involving Golden State. With the news that Giannis would remain with Milwaukee, the Warriors promptly changed course.
Golden State executed a trade sending Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to acquire center Kristaps Porziņģis. This move aimed to strengthen the team’s frontcourt with added size, rim protection, and floor spacing rather than continuing to pursue a high-profile superstar trade.
Strategic Emphasis on Porziņģis and Green Pairing After Butler’s Injury
The Warriors now rely on the frontcourt combination of Porziņģis and Draymond Green to provide stability for the rest of the season, especially following Jimmy Butler’s season-ending ACL injury in January. This pairing gives the team tactical flexibility on both ends of the court.
Porziņģis brings shooting stretch and rim protection, allowing Green to continue as the defensive leader and chief communicator on the floor. This alignment is designed to preserve Golden State’s trademark versatility while maintaining their team identity.
Draymond Green Reacts to Deadline Uncertainty
In the days before the trade deadline, Draymond Green spoke openly about the swirling rumors and the pressure they created. He remarked,
“I don’t know that it ends at 13 and a half, but if it does, what a [expletive] run it’s been, I’ll take the fine for it. What a run it’s been.”
Green expressed no hard feelings toward the organization, saying,
“If that’s what’s best for this organization, that’s what’s best for the organization.”
After the Warriors’ 101–97 comeback win over the Phoenix Suns on Thursday, Green admitted the final hours were stressful:
“It got nerve-racking toward the end. But yeah, it is what it is. Move forward. It’s not something I want to get used to, though.”
Warriors and Green Align Moving Forward With Core Intact
With the trade deadline behind them, Dunleavy confirmed both Green and the organization are on the same page as they focus on competing for the playoffs.
“I think he’s in a great spot, and so are we moving forward,”
Dunleavy said.
The Warriors are poised to continue their season with a recalibrated roster centered on their foundational players. Dunleavy’s remarks seek to quiet the speculation that briefly overshadowed Green’s ongoing role with the franchise as Golden State redirects its efforts toward success on the court.
Mike Dunleavy denied Draymond Green was in active trade conversations. He was then asked if that meant Jimmy Butler would’ve been traded since one had to go out to get Giannis.
“No, no, no. We’re not doing that. I’m not going down the roster talking about who was in trades.” pic.twitter.com/rcXHRmVKep
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 8, 2026
