Draymond Green is in active trade talks with just three days until the NBA deadline. The Golden State Warriors have placed the 14-year veteran in their offer framework to the Milwaukee Bucks for Giannis Antetokounmpo, marking the first serious trade rumors of his franchise tenure. Thursday’s 3 p.m. ET deadline could reshape his Warriors legacy.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Trade Status: Green involved in active Warriors trade talks with just 2 days until February 5 deadline
- Salary Impact: Green’s $27.6 million contract easier to move than Jimmy Butler’s $56.8 million
- Giannis Connection: Warriors offering Green as part of package to land Milwaukee Bucks superstar
- Green’s Response: Veteran says if traded, he’ll have no regrets about his 13.5-year run in Golden State
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ESPN confirmed that Mike Dunleavy and owner Joe Lacob have involved Draymond Green in active trade conversations. Green’s name appears in the Warriors’ framework offer to the Milwaukee Bucks for Giannis Antetokounmpo. The franchise must choose between trading Green or Jimmy Butler to match salaries for the deal.
This marks unprecedented territory for Green, who has spent 14 seasons in Golden State. Head coach Steve Kerr confirmed Monday he had a difficult conversation with Green about the situation. “This is probably the first time since I’ve been here that his name has ever really been mentioned in trade talks,” Kerr revealed.
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Green’s $27.6 million salary presents a cleaner path than Butler’s $56.8 million commitment next season. Green is also fully healthy and can contribute immediately to a contender, unlike Butler, who is recovering from a torn ACL. This makes Green more appealing to the Bucks and other teams looking to match salary cap requirements.
The Warriors have told Butler they won’t trade him, focusing instead on Green as their primary salary-matching piece. Warriors GM Dunleavy prioritizes landing Giannis before the deadline, positioning Green as the key expendable asset in negotiations.
The Trade Deadline Countdown Clock
| Deadline Details | Information |
| NBA Trade Deadline | Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 3 p.m. ET |
| Hours Remaining | Approximately 48 hours from now |
| Green’s Contract | $27.6 million (easier to redirect than Butler) |
| Green’s Tenure | 14 seasons, 13.5 years with Warriors |
All transactions must reach the league office by Thursday at 3 p.m. ET. The Warriors still have multiple scenarios under consideration, including holding their assets and pursuing deals in the summer.
“I’ve been here 13 and a half years. That’s longer than probably 98 percent of NBA players have been in one place. I don’t know that it ends at 13 and a half, but if it does, what a f***ing run it’s been.”
— Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
Green’s Candid Response Reflects Veteran Maturity
Green acknowledged after Tuesday’s loss to Philadelphia that he’s at peace with whatever comes. The conversation with Steve Kerr made the trade possibility feel very real, so Green even told his own son the Warriors might move him before the game. Yet his tone remained composed, professional, and team-first.
Curry and Kerr both prefer Green retire as a Warrior, but ultimately Lacob and Dunleavy make the final roster decisions. At 36 years old, Green remains a productive defender and could be valuable to any contending team. His willingness to accept a potential move speaks to his understanding of NBA business realities.
What Happens Next in the Giannis Sweepstakes?
The Warriors face several paths forward as the deadline clock ticks. They could land Giannis by including Green in their offer, hold firm with their current roster and revisit options in summer, or pivot entirely if the Bucks demand too much. The next 48 hours will determine whether Green’s 14-year Warriors story continues or enters a new chapter elsewhere.
No matter the outcome, Green’s legacy in Golden State is cemented. From three championships to countless playoff moments, his impact transcends whatever transaction might occur before Thursday’s deadline. Fans and analysts alike await word on whether the franchise will trade its longtime defensive anchor or recalibrate their long-term vision.
Sources
- ESPN – Reporting from Anthony Slater confirming Draymond Green involved in active Warriors trade talks
- NBC Sports Bay Area – Marc Stein reporting Warriors offering Draymond Green and two others for Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Yahoo Sports – Coverage of Green’s postgame comments and Kerr’s media availability regarding trade rumors
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.