The Los Angeles Lakers had advanced discussions with the Golden State Warriors over a Draymond Green trade that almost happened before the trade deadline. Both popular teams were active at the deadline with the hopes of improving their rosters for a playoff run. Golden State ended up trading Jonathan Kuminga for Kristaps Porzingis and kept the rest out of their roster intact. The Lakers only added Luke Kennard as a smaller move to stay flexible for offseason moves.
However, Brett Siegel of Clutch Points reported that Green was almost traded to the Lakers for a future draft pick:
“After making a strong pitch for Giannis at the trade deadline, one that included all of their future draft capital and young players like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, as well as the possibility of flipping Draymond for an extra draft pick, the Milwaukee Bucks signaled that they were not ready to move the superstar big man.
At one point, there was a proposal put together by the Dubs that would have sent Green to the Lakers for a future protected draft pick, sources said.”
The report claims that the Warriors hoped to flip Green for a draft pick, if they were able to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks. Once the Giannis trade ended, Golden State pulled back on sending Draymond to the Lakers.
Why Lakers Wanted Draymond Green
Green has had a difficult season trying to overcompensate for the Warriors losing Jimmy Butler to injury and missing Stephen Curry for a large percentage of the season. Lackluster stats from Draymond show that he has clearly taken a step back from even just a few years ago.
The Lakers were likely taking the risk on a proven winner and defender joining the roster. Despite the recent hot streak, many view the Lakers as lacking enough defense to truly contend for an NBA Championship.
LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Luka Doncic are all considered average to below average defenders right now. The team lacks a defender to guard the opposing paint presences and wing players. Green could have helped there and played into his friendship with James to get acclimated easily.
Why Warriors Held Off Of Trading Draymond
Golden State ultimately decided to keep Green and avoid a blockbuster trade once Giannis was staying in Milwaukee. Green could have netted the Warriors a future first round pick, but they appear only set on trading him if they add another star to the roster first.
Management decided to ride with a frontcourt of Green and Porzingis for the remainder of this season. More trades could come in the summer, especially once Antetokounmpo is on the trade block again now that his time is likely ending with the Bucks.
Green’s future is not guaranteed after Golden State let franchise great Klay Thompson leave in free agency a few seasons ago. However, the Warriors must gain a significant upgrade to raise their title contention chances if the team trades Green after spending their entire tenure together to this point.
Lakers Almost Traded For Draymond Green At Trade Deadline