Mike Dunleavy Jr., the Golden State Warriors general manager, publicly denied entertaining trade offers for Draymond Green before the trade deadline despite being in discussions for Giannis Antetokounmpo. While the Warriors ultimately acquired Kristaps Porzingis, the initial reports of Green’s potential departure raised eyebrows, especially given his importance to the team’s core. Could the Warriors’ front office be causing friction with one of their most valuable players?
Key Takeaways
- Mike Dunleavy Jr. refuted claims that Draymond Green was actively being shopped before the trade deadline.
- The Warriors acquired Kristaps Porzingis from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield.
- Porzingis, limited to 17 games this season, averaged 17.1 points and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 36% from three.
- Porzingis is expected to make his Warriors debut on February 19th against his former team, the Boston Celtics.
Did the Warriors Seriously Consider Trading Draymond Green?
Mike Dunleavy Jr.’s denial comes after Draymond Green himself suggested on his podcast that he was aware of trade discussions involving him. According to Green, Dunleavy informed him that his name, along with Jimmy Butler III’s, was mentioned in trade talks with the Milwaukee Bucks for Giannis Antetokounmpo. While Dunleavy insists that Green’s name only came up when other teams inquired about him, the conflicting narratives create uncertainty. “His name was not in conversations other than the ones where teams called me to ask about him,” Dunleavy stated, attempting to quell speculation. The Warriors ultimately pivoted and acquired Kristaps Porzingis, who has averaged 17.1 points and 5.1 rebounds in 17 games this season. This move might address some of the Warriors’ needs, but it doesn’t resolve the potential rift with a key player like Green.
The hypothetical trade for Antetokounmpo would have required the Warriors to part with significant salary, potentially including Green, who signed a four-year, $100 million contract extension last summer. According to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the Bucks “never showed enough interest” in the Warriors’ offer of draft picks. Whether Green was truly on the trading block remains a point of contention, but the situation highlights the difficult decisions front offices face when balancing team improvement with player relationships. “Sometimes, you have to explore all options to see what’s possible,” noted ESPN analyst Zach Lowe on a recent podcast, adding “But communication is key, and it sounds like there might have been a breakdown there.”
Can Kristaps Porzingis Be the Missing Piece for Golden State?
With the trade deadline passed, the Warriors’ focus shifts to integrating Kristaps Porzingis into their system. Porzingis is a 7-foot-3 rim protector who can stretch the floor, a skill set that the Warriors have lacked, as his career 36% shooting from three-point range demonstrates. However, Porzingis’s availability is a concern, given his recent struggles with Achilles tendinitis and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), which has limited him to just 17 games this season. “I’m in really, really good hands,” Porzingis said, expressing confidence in the Warriors’ medical staff. The team plans to hold him out until after the All-Star break, with his debut tentatively scheduled for February 19th against the Boston Celtics.
His ability to stay healthy and contribute consistently will be crucial for the Warriors’ playoff aspirations. The Warriors’ current record of 24-27 places them in a precarious position in the Western Conference standings. If Porzingis can replicate his performance from earlier this season, where he averaged 17.1 points and 5.1 rebounds, he could significantly boost the Warriors’ chances. The team’s success in the second half of the season hinges on Porzingis’s integration and contribution. As NBC Sports analyst Tom Haberstroh pointed out, “The Warriors need Porzingis to be a consistent scoring threat and defensive presence if they want to make a deep playoff run.”
Players/Teams Mentioned
- Draymond Green: The Warriors forward has averaged 8.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.1 assists in 36 games this season.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: The Bucks superstar is averaging 31.2 points, 11.4 rebounds and 6.4 assists this season.
- Kristaps Porzingis: The Warriors’ new acquisition averaged 17.1 points and 5.1 rebounds in 17 games for the Hawks this season.
- Golden State Warriors: The Warriors are currently 24-27 and fighting for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.
- Jimmy Butler III: Butler has appeared in zero games this season for the Warriors due to injury.
What This Means
- For Warriors fans: The team’s current record means every game counts as they fight for playoff positioning.
- For fantasy players: Monitor Porzingis’s health closely, as his production could make him a valuable asset when he returns post All-Star Break.
- For bettors: The Warriors’ odds to win the NBA Championship have shifted slightly with the Porzingis acquisition, so watch for updated lines on FanDuel.
Source: www.espn.com
Disclosure: Trending Society provides sports analysis for entertainment purposes. Not betting or fantasy advice.
