The Warriors are facing a crossroads after Klay Thompson’s emotional exit from the team. After 13 seasons and multiple championships together, Thompson’s departure to the Mavericks has left Golden State in a transitional phase. With Stephen Curry nearing the end of his prime, the Warriors are considering a younger, more flexible approach as they look to move forward with Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, and other new additions. Draymond Green has been central to this team’s success, but after a rough 2023-24 campaign on and off the court, the Warriors might be ready to explore a future without their emotional leader.
For the Heat, who had a solid season but fell short of expectations, adding a guy like Green could be exactly what they need. His elite defense, high basketball IQ, and leadership would blend perfectly with the Heat’s culture of toughness. While Miami didn’t land any big-name stars this offseason, a deal for Green could give them the edge they’re looking for. Let’s explore how this blockbuster trade could work and why it makes sense for both teams.
Mock Trade
Heat Receive: Draymond Green
Warriors Receive: Terry Rozier, Nikola Jovic, 2029 First-Round Pick
In this potential blockbuster trade, the Heat would receive Draymond Green, adding his elite defense, leadership, and playoff experience to an already competitive roster. Meanwhile, the Warriors would acquire Terry Rozier, providing them with a strong scorer and playmaker, alongside Nikola Jović, a promising young forward with upside, plus a valuable 2029 first-round pick. This deal could help the Warriors shift towards a younger core as they prepare for the future beyond Stephen Curry’s prime, while the Heat would bolster their title chances with a defensive star who fits perfectly into their culture.
Let’s dive deeper into how this move impacts both teams.
A Brand New Start In The Bay
Draymond Green has been the heartbeat of the Warriors for a long time, but let’s face it—his time in Golden State hasn’t always been smooth sailing. From being ejected from games to clashing with teammates, his fiery personality has sometimes done more harm than good. Now that Green is getting older, the Warriors might be thinking it’s time to move on and focus on their future with a younger core.
In this mock trade, the Warriors would be getting Terry Rozier and Nikola Jović, plus a 2029 first-round pick. Rozier, who averaged 19.8 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.0 rebounds in 61 games last season, would be a solid addition. He’s a proven scorer and playmaker who could either start next to Stephen Curry or come off the bench as a spark plug. His ability to create his own shot and facilitate for others would give the Warriors a much-needed offensive boost on the second unit.
Nikola Jovic, on the other hand, brings a ton of potential. He averaged 7.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 46 games during the 2023-24 season, but it’s his upside that makes him an exciting fit for the Warriors. He’s versatile—he can pass, shoot, and handle the ball—skills that Golden State loves in their forwards. Pairing Jovic with young talents like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody could be a huge part of the Warriors’ future.
Speaking of Kuminga and Moody, they’re primed for bigger roles this season. Moody has already shown he can be a solid 3-and-D wing, while Kuminga’s athleticism makes him a potential force on both ends of the court. Then there’s Brandin Podziemski, who the Warriors may trust the most, bringing sharp shooting and a high basketball IQ—exactly the kind of player Golden State loves in their system. Plus, he was denied to the Jazz in trade talks for an All-Star like Lauri Markkanen, so the expectations are sky-high on him, as he’ll likely be the starter next to Curry this season.
Looking ahead, the Warriors could build a young and competitive team around Podziemski, Moody, Kuminga, Jovic, and center Trayce Jackson-Davis, with Curry still guiding them as the veteran leader. It’s a big shift from the dynasty days, but this new core could keep the Warriors in the mix for years to come, even as they prepare for life after Curry. The addition of Rozier in the short term would only help the transition, giving the team a reliable scorer and playmaker to ease the load on Curry and help bridge the gap to the next generation.
The Heat Would Become A Scary Team
The Miami Heat had a tough 2023-24 season, finishing 8th in the East and getting knocked out in the first round by the Celtics. For a team that had made a miraculous run to the Finals in 2023, this past year was a major letdown. To make things worse, their offseason wasn’t much to talk about either. Salary cap restrictions left the Heat pretty stuck, and while they managed to re-sign some of their own players, they didn’t land any significant new talent. Jimmy Butler, the team’s heart and soul, didn’t sign an extension and is now heading into a contract year, making the Heat’s future even more uncertain.
But bringing in Draymond Green could be exactly the kind of move that gets the Heat back on track. Green’s defensive intensity, leadership, and playmaking are things Miami has sorely missed. Pairing Green with Bam Adebayo would create a nightmare frontcourt for opposing teams. The two would complement each other perfectly—Adebayo’s versatility and shot-blocking combined with Green’s ability to guard multiple positions would turn Miami into an elite defensive team overnight.
One of the Heat’s biggest issues right now is that they don’t have a true point guard. Since Lowry’s departure, they’ve struggled with consistent playmaking. While Green isn’t a traditional point guard, he’s more than capable of filling that role with averages of 8.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.0 assists last year. He’s led the Warriors in assists for years and could easily do the same in Miami. Green’s ability to initiate the offense would let Tyler Herro focus on what he does best: scoring as an off-ball shooter, much like how Steph Curry thrived with Green handling playmaking duties in Golden State.
With Draymond orchestrating the offense and Butler acting as the go-to guy in pick-and-roll situations and handoffs, the Heat could return to being a legitimate contender. This trade could help Miami recapture that tough, defensive identity they’re known for. Add in Green’s championship experience, and he could be the missing piece to help Butler and Adebayo make another deep playoff run. While the Heat haven’t looked great in recent years, despite their Finals miracle in 2023, a move like this could turn things around. Green would not only fit their culture but also give them the edge they need to compete at the highest level.
