The context of being a foe has changed severely since the past eras of the NBA. To this day, Michael Jordan and Isaiah Thomas refuse to look at each other. That was the extent of their disdain for one another. However, the modern age separates the game from their off-court relation. A great example is that of LeBron James and Draymond Green. In the past, the latter tried to strike the 39-year-old during the 2016 NBA Finals. Off the court though, James even claims “our families are very close”.

Their brotherhood often raises eyebrows. While on Shaq’s podcast, the Warriors’ defensive backbone defended himself, calling his 2016 retort a byproduct of “disrespect” from LeBron James. But such vicious wars don’t just sharpen one’s battle instincts, they also foster an air of respect. As “fierce” competitors, James and Green have managed to develop just as close a dynamic off the court, with the former DPOY even being an investor in Lobos.

When they face each other during the course of the season now, one might see them share a few laughs and giggles. The underlying intentions however remain to go for the “kill”. He spoke about it with ESPN and shared how when their basketball prides are on the line, neither he nor James hold back.

“I try to kill him [on the court] more than anybody. I take him out. And vice versa. That’s what it is,” Green told ESPN.

Those sentiments are shared by LeBron James, even though the Warriors stalwart called him to his wedding. Yet, mutual understanding is what allows their relationship to always grow. Green in fact considers the four-time champion as his “big brother”. They have shared great times off the floor, a relation he says “no basketball is going to change”.

Draymond Green doesn’t plan on showing mercy to a former brother

Green didn’t always approach the game of basketball with a wide horizon as today. With time, he has matured in understanding the importance of relations outside of the court. At the break of his career, he carried an “I hate you” attitude. It propelled him to being a motivated and reckoning force. But it came at a hefty cost of strained relationships.

Now, with a family and a great network within the NBA community, Draymond Green has learned how to draw a line. With Kly Thompson departing after 13 years with the Warriors, he and Green still remain closer than ever. They shared sorrow, joy, and grief, a testament to their bond beyond basketball.

But now part of the “ops”, the 34-year-old plans on being merciless against his former Warriors brother. “I’m going to run through his chest” he said, resonating with how Kobe Bryant approached his battle with Pau Gasol. Yet, it doesn’t come from a place of hatred toward him for leaving the franchise.

Green was among the people happy for Klay Thompson, who found a way to revive his career with the Dallas Mavericks. However, their desires clash due to their different alliances. The Mavericks, after a Finals appearance view Thompson as the missing piece of the puzzle. The Bay on the other hand are entering a unique phase that requires them to rebuild their identity while navigating their short window with the Curry-Green tandem.

Even the sweet-hearted Stephen Curry, who is probably closest to his sworn brother shares the aggression of his Warriors counterpart. So when the Mavericks and Warriors do meet at the Chase Center, they will be elated during the time Thompson’s tribute runs. But as soon as the players greet one another on the yellow-bordered court, it’s time for “war”.