3 Realistic Draymond Green Trade Ideas After Warriors Star's Viral Clash With Steve Kerr Creates Chaos

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While the Golden State Warriors won consecutive games for the first time in two weeks, Draymond Green and Steve Kerr's altercation was all everyone could talk about on Monday. The incident between the two occurred in the third quarter of Golden State's 120-97 win over the Orlando Magic.

Green turned the ball over after throwing a loose pass to Moses Moody in the corner from the top of the key. It was a two-point game at that point, which shortly became a four-point deficit as Quinten Post committed a transition take foul following Green's turnover.

The Warriors had given up a 14-6 lead with that possession, which led to Kerr's timeout with 8:31 left. Green and Kerr got into it on the bench, while Moody stood in between, hoping to calm things down. It didn't help much as Green chose to leave the game and head to the locker room.

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Kerr, on the other hand, put Brandin Podziemski in for his veteran star and never let Green return despite him appearing on the bench in the fourth. The Warriors won despite Green's absence, going on a 54-19 run after his exit.

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It was the second game in a row where the Warriors fared better after Draymond Green left the game early. On Saturday, he was ejected early in the second quarter against Phoenix while the Warriors trailed by nine. Golden State won the contest 119-116, outscoring the Suns 82-68 without Green.

It hasn't been the best of seasons for Green amid the Warriors hovering around the .500 mark through 30 games. He has regressed on both ends. The team winning without Green in the rotation over the past two games has only reinforced the fan base's belief that he should be traded at the deadline.

That said, we came up with three massive trade ideas involving the 35-year-old defensive anchor.


3 Massive Draymond Green Trade Ideas After Chaotic Clash With Warriors Coach Steve Kerr

#3 Draymond Green to Nets

An Eastern Conference switch for Green could be one of the likeliest outcomes at this stage of his career. The Nets would be an intriguing target given that they have a couple of players the Warriors could really benefit from in their system. Michael Porter Jr. is one of the names that stand out immediately as a trade candidate when talking about Brooklyn.

The former Nuggets sharpshooter is having an All-Star level year as a primary option, averaging 25.6 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists on 49.3% shooting, including 40.% from 3-point range. With Steph Curry the only player averaging over 25.0 ppg for Golden State, Porter would fill an immediate need as a scorer.

He also provides length and rebounding defensively. Here's a proposed mock trade:

Warriors receive:

  • Michael Porter Jr.
  • Day'Ron Sharpe

Nets receive:

  • Draymond Green
  • Jonathan Kuminga
  • 2026 first-round pick
  • 2028 first-round pick swap
  • 2032 second-round pick

The Warriors also ship Jonathan Kuminga with Draymond Green with two firsts and a second in this deal. Kuminga, 23, fits their timeline. Meanwhile, Green can mentor the rebuilding Brooklyn team, which can instill a culture within the organization.

As for Golden State, it secures Day'Ron Sharpe with Michael Porter Jr., who can fill a need at the center position. Sharpe is a mobile, athletic big man who can help improve the Warriors' paint scoring and rebounding voids in a backup role behind Quinten Post.

#2 Draymond Green to Pistons

A hometown return for Draymond Green to Detroit can't be ruled out, especially if the Warriors work with him on a potential trade departure. The Pistons need more experience on their roster. Green not only fits from a cultural standpoint, but also as an on-court fit.

He would add more defensive and playmaking juice to Detroit as a bench piece. As for the Warriors, they can add intriguing assets from the Pistons to their team that can help them immediately and potentially ease their books over the coming offseasons.

Here's the proposed mock trade:

Warriors receive:

  • Tobias Harris
  • Jaden Ivey
  • Javonte Green
  • 2027 second-round pick

Pistons receive:

  • Draymond Green
  • Jonathan Kuminga

The Warriors add Tobias Harris and Jaden Ivey as the key pieces in this trade from Detroit. Harris has played 19 games, averaging 13.5 ppg and 4.9 rpg on 43.8% shooting.

He provides the Warriors with wing depth as a reliable off-ball player who can knock down open shots and even put the ball on the floor if needed. Harris is on an expiring contract. The Warriors can free up $26.6 million in free agency next offseason with his contract off the books.

Ivey would be another nice addition, not only as an immediate contributor, but also as a long-term asset in the backcourt. Golden State can retain him on a team-friendly deal in restricted free agency.

As for Detroit, it adds Jonathan Kuminga to its frontcourt, who can share some of the scoring burden with Cade Cunningham, while adding length and athleticism to the lineup on the wings.

#1 Draymond Green to Lakers

The Lakers can be another intriguing landing spot for Draymond Green, whose relationship with LeBron James is well-documented. Like Detroit, it's another team the Warriors might be forced to work with if Green pinpoints LA as one of his preferred landing spots, given that he'd likely want to compete for championships.

The Lakers have a clear need for a defensive anchor and Green would slot right in as that piece. He can also be a long-term player and finish his career there as LeBron James inches closer to his retirement.

What's in it for the Warriors? Golden State can net an intriguing piece like Rui Hachimura, who can further elevate the team's 3-point shooting around Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler. The Lakers forward is making 45.6% of his shots from deep this season.

Here's the proposed trade:

Warriors receive:

  • Rui Hachimura
  • Maxi Kleber

Lakers receive:

  • Draymond Green
  • Brandin Podziemski

The Warriors also acquire Maxi Kleber's expiring salary. They can free up to $30 million in cap space next offseason, as Rui Hachimura is also in the final year of his deal. The Lakers add Brandin Podziemski in the trade, as his salary helps complete the deal.

Podziemski hasn't been at his best lately and the Warriors reportedly have considered moving him. In such a scenario, the Lakers wouldn't mind taking him on as compared to some of the other teams.

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Edited by Arhaan Raje

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