Draymond Green Trade Speculation Begins After Kevin Durant Incident, Warriors' Suspension

The latest drama between Kevin Durant and Draymond Green has the basketball world dreaming of the demise of the Golden State Warriors. For months, it’s been thought that Durant might leave as a free agent next summer. Now, there is speculation that the Warriors could make a major change to their roster during the 2018-2019 NBA season.

There have been no reports or even vague rumors that Golden State has explored the possibility of trading Green. Nonetheless, the discussion of Green potentially being dealt has emerged from the fallout of Monday’s incident at Staples Center.

After Green didn’t pass the ball to Durant in the final seconds of regulation in a contest against the Los Angeles Clippers, the two All-Stars got into an argument on the bench. The confrontation continued in the locker room following Golden State’s loss, and it resulted in a one-game suspension for Green. Durant led the Warriors to victory Tuesday night against the Atlanta Hawks, and he acknowledged that he had yet to make up with the 2017 Defensive Player of the Year.

An unnamed Warriors’ player told The Athletics’ Marcus Thompson Tuesday that he expects Durant to go elsewhere as a free agent in the summer, in part because of the incident with Green. Could Golden State trade Green before the Feb. 7 deadline in hopes of convincing Durant to stay?

Even if Durant and Green didn’t get into it for all to see, it might make sense for the Warriors to trade the three-time All-Star at some point before next season. Stephen Curry signed a five-year, $201 million contract last year, and Klay Thompson will be up for a similar deal next offseason. Durant might decide to leave after winning a third title in Golden State, but the organization would happily give him whatever contract he desires.

That could leave Green as the odd man out. He’ll be a free agent in 2020 and looking for a contract worth well over $100 million. It might not be feasible for Golden State to pay four players all that money.

Perhaps the Warriors would look to trade Green for draft picks and younger players instead of losing him for nothing in two years. There are certainly plenty of playoff contenders that could use his ability to play defense and be a facilitator on offense.

A trade during this season seems unlikely. Green isn’t a perennial MVP candidate like Curry or Durant, but he’s an invaluable part of a team that’s likely headed to the NBA Finals for a fifth straight year. It’s hard to believe the Warriors will do anything to alter their core during the season.

But Durant’s impending free agency and his relationship with Green will have people asking questions about the team’s future all year long.