Draymond Green Return Timeline Finally Lifts the Uncertainty Veil from Warriors Star’s Future

Draymond Green‘s violent behavior was finally put in check by the league. The Golden State Warriors forward was ejected for the third time this season after swinging at Phoenix Suns’ center Jusuf Nurkic. Following this, the league decided to suspend the Warriors’ defensive stalwart indefinitely, considering his record of unsportsmanlike acts. Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations, announced that Green will be eligible to return once he fulfills the undisclosed league and team conditions. But the term “indefinite” had put the Warriors’ star’s future in uncertainty.

However, a new update has finally raised the curtain, giving a timeline for when the Warriors can expect their defensive anchor back in the lineup.

Draymond Green’s timeline for return revealed

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Draymond Green has begun his counseling process. As a result, he is anticipated to remain out of action due to suspension for a minimum of three weeks while he continues to take league-directed measures. A three-week suspension would last approximately 12 games.

This suspension came on the heels of his five-game suspension, not even a month ago. Draymond Green was ejected during the team’s loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 15 for putting Rudy Gobert in a chokehold. Following his suspension, the Warriors were able to break free of their six-game home losing streak, going 2-1 in his absence. As a result, his suspension has set the rumor mill spinning.

Dallas Mavericks emerge as betting favorites

According to Bovado, the Dallas Mavericks have emerged as the frontrunners for the Dray Magic sweepstakes with +210 odds, should the Warriors decide to part ways with him. However, the chances of such a trade materializing are very bleak. While Green is a generational defensive talent when he is on the floor, his antics might prevent teams from taking chances with a troubled 33-year-old veteran.

Moreover, Green has three years and $76.6 million remaining on his contract, including a player option in 2026-27. That price would mean trading away several assets. On top of it, Green has 9.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game; that’s his lowest rebound and assist stats since his sophomore season in the league.

Read More: Does Draymond Green Deserve an Indefinite Suspension?

CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn proposed a trade that sent Dallas’ Dereck Lively II, Tim Hardaway Jr., and a future-protected first-round pick to Golden State in exchange for Green. However, a deal like that seems unlikely since Dallas already has their hands full with Luka Doncic’s foul trouble. In any case, the Warriors have not expressed their desire to part ways with Green yet, making these trade discussions purely speculative at this stage.

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What are your thoughts on this potential trade rumor? Let us know in the comments.