Despite only just signing a new contract in free agency at the end of last month, Draymond Green could be in his final months as a member of the Golden State Warriors.
Warriors insider Marcus Thompson boldly declared that's likely to be the case, and that the Warriors could transition into a new era before next year's mid-season deadline should they start slowly.
3 Draymond Green trade ideas once trade-eligible
After signing a new one-year, $27.7 million deal in free agency, Green won't become trade-eligible until December 15. Yet given Thompson's thoughts over Green's future on Friday, it's not to early to have a look at three trades the Warriors could explore with the 36-year-old's contract before the mid-season deadline.
1. Warriors trade defense for offense with Nets star
Warriors Receive: Michael Porter Jr.
Nets Receive: Draymond Green, Moses Moody, Will Richard, 2028 First-Round Pick
Golden State's desire for more shooting and scoring has had them linked to Michael Porter Jr. over the last 12 months, only for Steve Kerr to reportedly shut down the idea of trading for the talented 6'10" forward.
That stance could change if Green and the Warriors make a slow start, and if the Brooklyn Nets can't come to terms on an extension with Porter. It would be hard for the Nets to ask for more than one first-round pick if they're not willing to extend the 28-year-old, particularly with the threat of his departure in free agency.
Speaking of which, Golden State would have to be confident of retaining Porter if they're sacrificing Green, Moody, Richard and a first-round pick. In the short-term, the former Denver Nuggets champion would provide immediate offensive support to Stephen Curry and lessen the pressure on Jimmy Butler's return from a torn ACL, having averaged 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists with Brooklyn last season.
2. Warriors finally complete long-running Trey Murphy III pursuit
Warriors Receive: Trey Murphy III
Pelicans Receive: Draymond Green, 2028 First-Round Pick, 2032 First-Round Pick, 2029 First-Round Pick Swap
This might be the simplest and best trade for the Warriors to make because it wouldn't necessarily require them to give up another player. From the moment Green signed a deal at his previous player option, the alignment to Murphy's $27 million salary was painfully obvious.
Murphy has arguably been the player most consistently linked to Golden State over the past 12 months, but he'll have no shortage of suitors if the New Orleans Pelicans finally take trade calls seriously.
As has been the case throughout Murphy trade rumors, this will all come down to how many picks the Warriors are willing to add to Green's contract. Most analysts view Murphy's value sitting around two or three first-round picks, so we're splitting the difference here with two firsts and a pick swap in 2029.
3. Warriors renew interest in major 2024 target
Warriors Receive: Lauri Markannen
Jazz Receive: Draymond Green, Kristaps Porzingis, 2028 First-Round Pick, 2032 First-Round Pick
It was just over two years ago that Golden State strongly pursued Markkanen, only for the 2023 All-Star to sign a max extension with the franchise. The Jazz are now in a significantly different position, having traded for Jaren Jackson Jr. while drafting Ace Bailey and Darryn Peterson over the last 15 months.
Utah not only have to find big roles for the aforementioned trio and Markkanen, but their roster could become expensive quickly when you factor in a big new extension for young guard Keyonte George. Depending on how they start next season, it might be the perfect time for the Jazz to cash in on Markkanen to get out in front of the rotation and financial problem in a deal that nets them two valuable picks and a pair of basically expiring contracts (Porzingis has $3 million guaranteed for 2027-28).
For the Warriors, they'd be acquiring a seven-foot, three-level scorer in the middle of his prime who's still under contract for another two years beyond next season.
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