Should the Warriors Look To Move Away From Draymond Green, Amid Chris Paul and Klay Thompson Trade Speculation?

The Golden State Warriors are currently not the most dominating team this season. They are placed in the 11th position in the Western Conference with only their cornerstone Stephen Curry performing well. Carrying the team on his shoulders, Curry has been averaging 29.1 points per game trying to keep his franchise in the running for the championship. However, their other star players, like Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, have not been able to perform up to the mark. Even their latest signing of the veteran Chris Paul has not benefited the Dubs as he has also not found his footing in the club.

So as some of their star power is not been able to deliver up-to-the-mark performances the Dubs might consider trading them. As Klay Thompson and Chris Paul’s contracts are ending this season, it is the perfect opportunity for them to look at some options.

Will the Dubs trade away Paul & Thompson?

Chris Paul’s field-goal percentage of 39.5% and three-point percentage of 31.8% have surely contributed to the team’s poor start. While the veteran point guard was anticipated to establish his groove and improve his play, doubts have been raised about the Warriors’ long-term plan and whether the team should consider trading him. Ben Stinar of Sports Illustrated even suggested the Warriors trade CP3 because that would solve their problem of center rotation and enhance the bench’s offensive ability. Instead of Paul, they should look at getting a real big man like John Collins, who can dominate on both sides of the court due to his defensive and offensive prowess.

Even players like Devonte Graham and Doug McDermott, can add some depth to the Warriors’ bench and increase their offensive power. However, despite recent trade rumors, the Warriors are willing to negotiate with Paul and are open to retaining him. This not only shows that the Dubs are giving time for Paul to adjust according to the team, but also shows their faith in him. It is a similar situation with one-half of the Splash Brothers, Klay Thompson. The Dubs are known to value their core team and attain glory with it. However, as the season progresses, their notions are being challenged at every step.

The Golden State is in a dilemma now. They have to either choose a win-now move or shift their focus on their younger core team. Klay Thompson, a valuable veteran on the squad, could prove a deciding factor in this choice. Thompson’s trade deadline is coming close and the Dubs have to choose to either offer him a new contract or trade him for a better player.

Read More: “That’s How We’re Built. It’s Not a Secret”: Stephen Curry Feels Helpless Amid Draymond Green Antics

But despite his early-season struggles, the Golden State Warriors have indicated firmly that they are not interested in selling the sharpshooting guard. On the Lowe Post podcast, ESPN’s Zach Lowe reiterated that the Warriors “have no desire” to trade Thompson. With that, they dismissed all recent trade speculations that have circulated in NBA circles. But what about their hot-tempered star, Draymond Green?

Will the Dubs stick with Draymond Green amid suspension controversies?

Draymond Green signed a massive contract with the Warriors worth $100,000,000 for 4 years in June 2023. But even after being a part of the core Warriors team and debuting with them in 2012, due to his actions, he tends to get into trouble often. On 14th November, the Warriors faced the Timberwolves where Draymond Green got suspended due to a physical altercation with a player. He received a five-game ban without pay for his involvement in escalating the fight and violently grasping Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert around the neck in an unsportsmanlike and hazardous manner. However, this type of behavior has been seen by Green on several occasions.

The Golden State Warriors suffered another setback against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, 12th Dec when Green was ejected during the third quarter. Green’s dismissal, which resulted after a wild swing that accidentally impacted Suns’ big man Jusuf Nurki, complicates an already difficult season for the Warriors. His absence has been a reoccurring issue for his squad, with a history of suspensions. Due to this, Green has already missed 11 out of 23 games this season and this leads to him not being able to find his rhythm. In addition, the defense of the Warriors has been very weak because of his inconsistent game time.

With Green’s repeated bans and the Warriors’ championship core at a crossroads, rumors regarding a possible deal, including Green, have arisen. The NBA’s imminent punishment may complicate matters even more, leaving the Warriors without their top defender and facilitator for a lengthy period of time. Due to the absence of the 4x All-Star, rookies like Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and Trayce Jackson-Davis get an opportunity to show their worth. Even Coach Steve Kerr has shown a willingness to sit veteran players like Andrew Wiggins and Kevon Looney in favor of rising stars as the Warriors explore the possibilities of their younger players.

Watch this Story: Has Stephen Curry Won His Last Championship With Warriors Amid Serious Concerns Over Draymond Green and Klay Thompson’s Future?

For now, it remains to be unknown if the Dubs will weather the storm during Green’s suspension or seek trade possibilities to solve the reoccurring issue. However, do you think the Warriors should trade Draymond Green? Let us know in the comments below.