During the offseason, Draymond Green signed a four-year $100 million contract extension with the Golden State Warriors. However, he has endured a difficult start to the season, first navigating a calf injury and then making some bad decisions that have led to an indefinite suspension.
Green is a legitimate difference-maker for the Warriors when he’s on the court. However, his recent string of issues has certainly led some fans to believe a trade could be possible. During a recent episode of “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” Simmons discussed a potential trade that would send Green to the Los Angeles Lakers in return for Austin Reaves.
“Because in the next couple weeks you could conceivably make a Draymond Green for Austin Reaves trade,” Simmons said. “The Lakers, let’s say they’re around .500. They talk themselves into that? Does Golden State have to throw in maybe [Moses] Moody to make that work? Do they have to add other contracts? I just like the trade. I’m not saying it’s going to happen. I’m not reporting it, but I just like the [trade], in theory. I don’t think Golden State needs Draymond. I think they should trade him, and I think it’s time for them to trade him.”
Last season, numerous trade proposals would have sent Green to the Lakers so he could team up with LeBron James. Yet, those proposals never amounted to more than conjecture. The same will likely happen with Simmons’ proposal.
Still, Green’s future with the franchise is slightly less clear than it was heading into the season. It will remain that way until he’s cleared to return to the court and begins making a good impression with his performances and leadership. Warriors fans know what Green is capable of. Now, he will need to remind the rest of the world.
