Draymond Green has been a staple for the Golden State Warriors since he joined the league in 2012.

During his Bay Area tenure, the veteran forward, alongside Stephen Curry and formerly Klay Thompson, has helped redefine Warriors basketball, and in the process, played a big part in establishing a dynasty that ended in four championships and six NBA Finals appearances in eight years when all was said and done. 

Thus, it wouldn’t come as a surprise that such an important piece of Golden State’s fabric will reportedly not be traded away, even if it were in an attempt to secure a player like two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to ClutchPoints NBA Insider Brett Siegel. 

“Trading Green is not something the Warriors plan on doing, and the only way this mindset would change is if all three of Green, Curry, and Kerr signed off on such a move,” Siegel said, per a Fullcourtpass post on X. “Draymond is the heart and soul of this organization, which is why Butler would be the one needing to be moved in any scenario for Antetokounmpo.”

Trading away Butler would be an interesting move for Golden State, as the franchise just traded for him in the back half of last season. However, acquiring a player of Antetokounmpo’s caliber would certainly be something to entertain if the Warriors had such an opportunity available. 

There have been conflicting reports as of late regarding Antetokounmpo’s status on the Milwaukee Bucks. 

Just three days ago, on Dec. 3, ESPN NBA Insider Shams Charania reported that the 2021 NBA Champion was engaged in discussions regarding his future with the franchise. 

Bucks head coach Doc Rivers, however, disputed it, saying in a press conference that same day that those reports did not hold any validity. 

All of this to say, it may be a stretch to even imagine Antetokounmpo as a Warrior some day, let alone in the ladder half of this season. But again, reportedly it wouldn’t affect Green’s status either way.

This season, Green is averaging eight points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.5 assists per contest. 

Though he may not be having his best offensive season, Green has always been considered a utility-tool type player, affecting the game in more ways than one and stepping in when needed. 

The Warriors will continue to need his impact and veteran leadership moving forward, as the team looks to improve upon their below .500 record.