The Golden State Warriors have been a competent offensive team to start the season, leaving their defense as the issue behind a 3-7 record. JaMychal Green was signed as a two-way bench player and has yet to live up to the standard, so is his time in The Bay already on borrowed time?
Green hasn’t been the only player to disappoint on the defensive end this season. However, the impact younger players are making is often diminished when playing with him, as opposed to their minutes with Kevon Looney or Draymond Green. That’s not a surprise given the difference in stature between Green and two starters, but it still emphasizes the lack of value he’s currently providing.
JaMychal Green’s spot in the Golden State Warriors’ rotation may be on thin ice, as could be his brief time with the franchise in general.
Following their loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, head coach Steve Kerr acknoweldged that Jonathan Kuminga and Anthony Lamb were both ready for real minutes at NBA level. Then you have someone like Patrick Baldwin Jr who, while he’s been sent to the G-League, will eventually carve out a similar role to that of Green.
Even in a game not featuring the slightly older Green, or Andrew Wiggins, JaMychal Green found himself playing only nine minutes. The fact it was the second night of a back-to-back may have contributed, but regardless, Kerr preferred Kuminga, Lamb and even Baldwin Jr. at times.
Even more concerning for the veteran forward is the strong performances of both Kuminga and Lamb, leaving the question as to why he should gain priority over two younger players with more talent and upside?
What would a trade featuring JaMychal Green even look like?
To start off, Green makes around $2.6 million this season on a fully guaranteed contract. With the Warriors over the cap, they would need to find a player at the same salary or combine him with another player for a little more wiggle room.
Also, since Green was just signed by the Warriors this past summer, the forward cannot be traded until December 15. This gives him time to potentially turn things around — earning consistent minutes and being an integral piece towards another playoff run.
One of the first players that comes to mind is Naz Reid of the Minnesota Timberwolves — a young big man with a solid all-around game that has helped lead his team to wins over the past few seasons. He makes a comparative amount to Green and will become a free agent in the offseason.
This is a win-win deal for both teams — the Warriors would likely include a couple second-round for the younger player, and this would help clear up the Timberwolves’ center that includes two All-Stars in Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert.
The Warriors could also trade Green to another team who is looking to make the playoffs — the Charlotte Hornets and Sacramento Kings for example — in exchange for a second-round pick or two.
Golden State may look at deals featuring JaMychal Green as we near the December 15 timeline, but for now he has the chance to re-establish himself after a tough opening for both he and the team through ten games.