Draymond Green took a risk by waiving his implied no-trade clause on his new contract with the Golden State Warriors in free agency, opening the door for the front office to trade the franchise legend once he becomes eligible again on December 15.
Not only is a Green trade potentially on the table because of his free agency decision, but Warriors insider Marcus Thompson actually expects a move to be made in what would be a seismic shift for the franchise.
Warriors insider expects Draymond Green trade next season
Speaking on the Warriors Plus Minus Podcast on Friday, Thompson took Mike Dunleavy's recent comments as a sign they'll likely move on from Green, and potentially other core pieces, if the team doesn't start well next season.
"It's probably six months left for the Draymond Green era. He's on a one-year deal, $27.8 million, and doesn't have a no-trade clause, so that's a very tradable contract," Thompson said. "It felt like this has been coming for a while, but this, the way Dunleavy was talking, and the way they positioned it, this feels like 'Alright, let's see where we are in February because if we're not where we need to be, then we're just going to start selling pieces off and starting over.'"
As much as Green risked his future at the franchise by waiving the implied no-trade clause, there would be some element of surprise if Golden State ultimately moved on when they've had opportunities to do just that at different points in the past.
The idea of "selling pieces off and starting again" is also an interesting phrase from Thompson and implies that the Warriors may actually try to move Green (and possible others) for future assets, rather than including their own picks on top of contracts to make a legitimate upgrade.
Draymond Green may feel disrespected if he's moved for draft capital
It would be one thing for Golden State to trade Green for a legitimate star. There was significant speculation over his future leading into February's mid-season deadline, particularly as the Warriors pursued a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo and then turned their focus briefly to Kawhi Leonard.
As much as he might have been disappointed in a trade, Green would have likely understood being moved if the Warriors were bringing in Antetokounmpo, Leonard or a player of that stature. He would likely understand the reasoning if they explore deals like that again in the next six months.
But he certainly won't be as comfortable if the franchise trades him for a neutral move or one for the future. Who's even giving up a pick for Green at this point of his career and on that contract number (even though it's expiring)? The answer is probably no one.
Thompson's comments further justify trade talk surrounding Green heading into next season, and there's no doubt the former Defensive Player of the Year could be in his final stretch with the team should they make an underwhelming start as many expect without the injured Jimmy Butler.
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