Ex-Bucks Star Questions Draymond Green’s Commitment to Basketball, Calls for Warriors to Make Shocking Move

The Golden State Warriors have been the premier team of the NBA for the past decade. During this period, the Dubs have become synonymous with success, winning four NBA championships in the last nine seasons. Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green have been the pillars upon which the Warriors dynasty has been built. However, their reign of unprecedented dominance could come to an end sooner than expected.

The Warriors have drastically underperformed this season. Despite Steph playing at an All-NBA caliber, the Dubs have only managed to muster 41 wins from 75 games. One of the primary reasons behind Golden State’s subpar displays is Draymond Green’s constant battles with suspensions and ejections. He has been ejected four times this season and has missed 12 games through suspensions. His self-sabotaging antics have called into question his commitment to play basketball.

During a conversation on Gil’s Arena, former Bucks star Brandon Jennings recently called the Warriors to dismantle their big three and part ways with Draymond Green. He said, “I don’t think we see them three [Steph, Klay, Draymond] no more together. I think after that last time Draymond got kicked out. That was it. I think it’s just time to move on.” He further went on to suggest that Green isn’t focused 100% on basketball. He added, “If you had to, I’d probably move Dray. I don’t even know if he wants to play basketball. I think it’s something off the court.”

The Warriors currently occupy the 10th spot in the Western Conference standings, with less than 10 regular season games remaining. It’s fair to suggest that the current Dubs’ core isn’t close to winning an NBA title. So, changes would be needed. But would Draymond Green have a place on the roster after the Dubs are done restructuring their squad?

What does the future hold for Draymond Green?

Despite his suspension problem, Draymond Green remains one of the most important players for the Warriors. In the 25 games that he has missed, the Dubs have only managed to notch up 11 wins. Furthermore, Golden State have won 23 of the 36 games they have played since Draymond made a return from suspension against the Grizzlies on 15th January. Apart from this, Green has enjoyed his best statistical season since the 2017-18 season. He has averaged 8.9 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists in 50 games this season.

However, Draymond’s future with the Warriors isn’t guaranteed because of their current payroll. At the moment, the Dubs have the largest payroll in NBA history, totaling $209,343,129. However, upcoming changes to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) are expected to push them into the second apron next season. Falling into the second apron would significantly impact their flexibility in making trades and roster adjustments.

Add Klay Thompson’s imminent contract extension thoughts upon their CBA problems, and the Warriors find themselves in a tricky situation. The Dubs’ front office would have to make difficult decisions this offseason, and that could include either not giving Klay a new contract or trading Draymond Green. Either way, the 2024 playoffs could be this legendary trio’s “last dance.”

Read More: Warriors’ Self-Policing Blamed for Draymond Green’s Sabotaging Antics: “No Different Than Punching Jordan Poole”