Despite the Warriors’ abysmal record this season, nobody expects them to struggle for much longer.
Next season will include the return of Steph and Klay and, as a result, the return of relevance for Dub Nation. Still, there are questions about the Warriors’ potential going forward, especially when one considers the loss of Kevin Durant, Andre Iguodala, and Shaun Livingston.
With this season’s trade deadline approaching, the Warriors may consider making some moves to benefit their team next year. Names like Draymond Green and D’Angelo Russell are being hoisted in trade rumors — but is there any truth to them?
In his recent article on The Athletic, Anthony Slater explained the situation with Draymond Green and how, while the window is open for a deal to be made, there is a strong belief that he will be a part of their core for the next few years to come.
Draymond Green signed his big four-year, $100 million extension last Aug. 3. Summer extensions come with a six-month, can’t trade policy. Those six months officially expire on Feb. 3, this upcoming Monday, three days before the deadline. That could be coincidental timing, but, as a few people pointed out when it was agreed upon, it’s also curious timing. If he’d waited a half-week to sign it, that three-day window wouldn’t exist.
Is Green vulnerable? All signs, for now, point to no. This is a franchise intent on competing for the 2021 and 2022 title, before Curry’s prime ends. Even if it hurts their 2024, 2025 prospects, having Green the next two seasons helps them achieve that goal better than the asset-based package he’d likely fetch. And everyone in the franchise still talks about him as the third building block for the future.
Essentially, it seems the franchise is set on their core of Curry, Klay, and Draymond. And why shouldn’t they be?
Together, the trio has won 3 NBA Championships, and there’s no reason to think they can’t compete for more. So while they might be open to the idea of a breakup with Draymond, it’s not exactly a part of their plan.
If there’s one thing the 3x NBA All-Star has earned, it’s loyalty from the franchise he has called home for the past 7 seasons.
