Draymond Green's future at the Golden State Warriors is already in question despite only recently signing a one-year, $27.7 million contract with the franchise in free agency.
All eyes are on Yaxel Lendeborg and the impact he could have on Green's role moving forward, but there's another Warrior forward who could put the final nail in the 36-year-old's career at the franchise.
Gui Santos deserves to be in starting lineup conversation
Gui Santos has been pushed somewhat into the background when it comes to conversations around the starting lineup come opening night. Lendeborg is the new big thing at the Warriors after being drafted 11th overall in June's NBA Draft, before instantly impressing during summer league where he won MVP and led the team to a championship.
But Santos was also undoubtedly one of Golden State's best players toward the end of last season, proving that he could be a starting quality player in his own right after a slow burn through his first 2.5 years.
In 31 games from January 28 onwards, Santos averaged 15.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.4 steals on 51.5% shooting from the floor and 35.6% from 3-point range. His offensive versatility, particularly his footwork and finishing around the rim, really stood out as Steve Kerr searched for other offensive options without the injured Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry.
Despite the breakout period, few have Santos as part of starting lineup calculations and are rather placing Lendeborg alongside Green as a forward duo while Butler remains sidelined. Yet that shouldn't be a fait accompli, particularly if the Warriors want to take significant strides offensively where they ranked 19th last season.
Gui Santos could push Warriors into Draymond Green trade
The option of a Santos, Lendeborg and Kristaps Porzingis frontcourt should be on the table, especially if Golden State are viewing this as a 'gap year' after an underwhelming offseason where they missed out on LeBron James and other trade/free agency targets.
If it truly is a gap year, why not prioritize the development of Santos and Lendeborg? Such a move would push Green back to the bench, and if successful could lead to a mid-season trade where the Warriors move on from former Defensive Player of the Year.
That may happen anyway with Green on an expiring contract and after waiving his implied no-trade clause. But if Santos and Lendeborg are both good, starting-calibre players (which is entirely possible), and if Butler succesfully returns from injury, the prospects of a Green trade rise significantly.
The Warriors are transitioning into a different phase and a new era. Nothing would signify that more than Santos and Lendeborg both snatching starting roles to the point where Green's time at the franchise comes to an end.
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