NBA insider links multiple teams to Golden State Warriors star

The first 17 games of the NBA season have been largely underwhelming for the Golden State Warriors. This is despite being the defending champions and having four all-stars on their roster, including two-time MVP Stephen Curry.

Of course, it’s still early, but their poor start is a result of a few concerning trends, i.e., Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole playing poorly and James Wiseman’s slow development. Moreover, those trends could potentially come back to hurt them later.

At 8-9, they currently rank 11th in the West, and while they shouldn’t have much trouble making the playoffs, previous non-playoff teams like the Sacramento Kings, Portland Trailblazers, as well as the supposedly tanking Utah Jazz have all gotten off to good starts. That raises the floor of the Western Conference, and with the Warriors being the defending champions, they have a target on their back.

That leads to speculation that the Warriors may make a trade to boost their chances of repeating. Obviously, Curry isn’t going to be traded, nor is Thompson, nor are Poole and Andrew Wiggins after being re-signed to contract extensions. That leaves Draymond Green, who one NBA executive believes could have a strong trade market if he becomes available.

If the Golden State Warriors were to trade Draymond Green, which teams would be interested?

The Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Clippers all make the list of possible landing spots for Green, and they all make varying levels of sense. That doesn’t mean that a trade is going to happen, but the Warriors have reasons to consider moving Green. Green, after all, is steadily declining, and while still useful, he isn’t as irreplaceable to the Warriors as he once was.

Additionally, after the Poole-Green incident, the Warriors opted to extend both Poole and Wiggins but not Green. That might have been a financial decision, but the team hasn’t been shy about spending thus far, and they may have already made a decision regarding Green’s future.

He can become an unrestricted free agent after this season and apparently wants a big contract. The two sides could always come to an agreement in the offseason, or Green could just opt into the final year of his contract.

However, if Golden State continues to struggle ahead of the trade deadline, they could decide to shake things up by making a blockbuster deal, and we now have a good idea of the teams that could be interested.

All in all, the Golden State Warriors are struggling but have time to right the ship. If they can’t, then all bets could be off, and we may see them finally break up their legendary big three by trading Green.