The Golden State Warriors Big 3 of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson finally broke up this year, but it could have actually happened in 2023. On the Draymond Green Show, Green revealed he almost joined the Memphis Grizzlies last year.
“So last year during free agency, I called Klay and I called Steph, separate calls, and Steve (Kerr) and I was just telling them like, ‘Yo I’m leaving. I’m going to Memphis.’ I remember that call with them so I was going to leave,” Green said. “… Obviously, we got it figured out. Shout out to the Lacobs and Mike Dunleavy, his first free agency. We got it done.”
Draymond Green admits he almost signed with Memphis last year
“I called Klay and I called Steph on separate calls, and Steve, and I was just telling them like, ‘Yo, I’m leaving. I’m going to Memphis.’”
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Green eventually signed a four-year, $100 million deal to remain with the Warriors. It would have been quite interesting to see the four-time All-Star as a member of the Grizzlies, though.
Green and Jaren Jackson Jr. would have formed a formidable defensive frontcourt and the former’s playmaking would have made life easier for Ja Morant and Desmond Bane as well. Of course, we wouldn’t have seen much of that last season, as the Grizzlies had an injury crisis.
Morant ended up playing just nine games while Bane played in 42. With others missing a significant amount of time too, the Grizzlies finished as the 13th seed in the West with a 27-55 record.
Had Green joined them, his 2023-24 season would have ended in an even more disappointing fashion than it did with the Warriors, who missed the playoffs with a 46-36 record. Going to the Grizzlies might have led to the 34-year-old having more success in the future, though, as I doubt the Warriors will be contenders moving forward.
Draymond Green Reacted To Klay Thompson’s Departure
Curry and Green might have hoped that Thompson would take a U-turn and come back, but it wasn’t to be. It is only a matter of time now before he is officially announced as a member of the Mavericks and Draymond emotionally reacted to Thompson leaving the Warriors.
“Thirteen years in the Bay, reportedly joining the Mavericks on a three-year, $50 million deal in a sign and trade. I must say, I don’t really know how I feel about it. Klay told us last week and we were just kinda talking through the years, he was talking about all we’ve done and how ‘you and Steph are my brothers forever.’ I was heading to my daughter’s recital so I wasn’t able to go as in-depth with the conversation as I would have.
“It changes nothing for us… but the relationships, they are what they are, they are forever. The connection, the bond, even as far as all of us being mentioned together. That is forever. I just haven’t really been able to process the feelings. Earlier today, I think I might have dropped a couple of tears or two.”
Green and Thompson were teammates for 12 seasons on the Warriors and won four championships together. Along with Curry, they were the pillars of one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history and it’s a shame they had to split.
All good things must come to an end at some point, though. Green, who averaged 8.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game in 2023-24, now has to switch his attention to figuring out how the Warriors can get back to the top.
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