The Milwaukee Bucks reportedly prefer acquiring Draymond Green from the Golden State Warriors over Jimmy Butler III in a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade by Thursday’s NBA trade deadline.
The Warriors have no avenue to land Antetokounmpo’s $54.1M salary without moving one of Green or Butler. While the latter’s matching salary makes for an easier transaction, Green’s $25.8M salary, when attached to Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski and draft assets, makes for another potential Giannis trade package.
The Athletic’s Sam Amick explained why the Bucks prefer Green to Butler, who likely won’t play basketball again until 2027 after suffering a season-ending ACL injury.
“…League sources say the Bucks are known to be prioritizing impact players in talks and, as such, would prefer a healthy player like Green as opposed to one in Butler who likely won’t return until midway through next season,” wrote Amick.
Draymond Green Trade Rumors
Green and his camp are reportedly “well aware” that the prospect of him being moved to Milwaukee by Thursday is “real.” To that end, Amick added fuel to the fire that Green, who has a Player Option for 2026-27, could opt out of his contract this summer and re-join Golden State as a free agent. That way, he’d still help the Warriors land their big fish before wiggling his way back into the mix.
“As for Green, the chance remains — if the Warriors found a way to pull this off — that he might push his way to another team or, perhaps, go the free agency route this summer (he has a player option for $27.6 million for next season).”
Warriors Preparing for Giannis Trade?
Besides Green, several other Warriors players are reportedly preparing to be moved to Milwaukee or another team as part of a Giannis trade. According to Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, many of his players are “on edge” fearing for their future.
“Lots of guys on our team are on edge,” Kerr told 95.7 The Game.
“… It does feel different. Every [trade deadline] feels a little different based on the circumstances. We’re in a weird spot now with Jimmy’s injury that’s thrown everybody for a loop. … It does feel like it’s a little trickier this year and there are more possibilities, and as a result, lots of guys on our team are on edge.”
Kerr, who once said he wanted to coach Green and Curry until their retirements, has also had the “uncomfortable” conversation with Green about his uncertain future.
“[Draymond and I] have talked [about the Giannis trade rumors],” Kerr revealed.
“I think what’s really tricky for Draymond is this is the only place he’s ever known. He’s going to have a statue outside the building someday. Really weird position for him to be in for sure because there’s never really been a time in his entire career where he even had to think about putting on another jersey.”
The Warriors have reportedly made every player not named Stephen Curry available in a potential Giannis trade, along with their full chest of draft picks.
Bucks Eyeing Warriors Veteran in Giannis Trade: Report