Should the Golden State Warriors consider trading Green and Thompson?
By Ronald Moody
The first move should begin with seeking trade for Green
The Golden State Warriors celebrated offense is built around Curry, Green, and Thompson. Despite that, right now, two players in the organization could replace both Green and Thompson on offense, and the team wouldn’t miss a beat with upstarts Jordan Poole and Jonathan Kuminga.
After Green’s underwhelming performance in the NBA Finals, Myers should strongly consider a parley with the four-time All-Star and determine if he will reduce his pricey extension request and settle for less. If not, Myers should look at moving him for future draft compensation.
During his media day press conference, Green spoke on his pending contract situation,
"“When you’re in different positions of your career and you know, like, all right, you have security or you don’t. I think all of those different things plays a part into how one may react to being in a contract year. Some people are motivated by contract years, and some people are nervous and struggle during contract years. I think it’s all based on a player. For me personally, I think, anytime it’s a contract year is motivation. And that’s kind of how I approach it and how I view it. And it’s always been the way I’ve viewed it. I’ve historically been the guy to bet on myself even when others didn’t believe. I’ve always felt confident betting on myself, and nothing changes for me now.”"
A motivated Green is good for the Warriors and he is considered the emotional heartbeat of the team, commands the offense, and is the defensive anchor.
But is he replaceable with a cheaper alternative? Yes. 19-year-old first-round pick Jonathan Kuminga can provide some relief. In 70 games, he averaged 9.3 ppg and 3.3 RPG and displayed future All-Star potential. He may not offer the intangibles of Green, but he is a valuable replacement who can step in if the two-time Olympian is traded.