The Golden State Warriors have yet to make a major move this summer, but a recent rumor suggests Draymond Green could be the first big piece to fall. According to Warriors insider Marcus Thompson, Golden State could move Green next season if they struggle.
Given that they project to be one of the worst teams in the Western Conference next year, it seems like a reasonable possibility that he could be on the trade block. Depending on when he's moved, that could cost Green a chance to make team history.
Green has played 949 career regular-season games with the Warriors, and he needs just 51 games to reach the 1,000-game milestone. If he were to do so, he would join Steph Curry as the only Warriors player to ever log 1000 games with the team. Of course, if he's moved before the trade deadline, he'd be robbed of the honor.
The Warriors may rob Draymond Green of a major honor
Very few players actually play 1000 career games, and even fewer play 1,000 games with one team. What's more impressive is that Green was a second-round pick.
Golden State obviously has to do what's best for their franchise, but moving him mid-season could be cruel. Remember, he opted out of his player option to give the Warriors flexibility to try and land a star.
After they struck out, they signed him for the same amount that he left on the table. Obviously having a $28 million expiring salary is valuable in the NBA, but Green was willing to do whatever it takes to make Golden State better, so trading him seems kind of heartless.
The Golden State Warriors owe Draymond Green
If Golden State is as bad as I suspect, then they should be willing to ride out the year and let Green choose his next team next summer in free agency. After all, they probably aren't going to fetch much for Green in a trade.
The Warriors have nothing to lose by keeping Green around for one more season and letting him have what would essentially be a swan song in Golden State. In that case, he would join the franchise's elite and cross the 1,000 game threshold.
It wouldn't affect Golden State's long-term team building given that they may still end up with a high lottery pick. Especially due to the NBA's recent draft lottery changes.
Ultimately, the Warriors have little to lose by holding on to Green next season and letting him end his time with the team the right way. If they don't, he could miss a chance to make history.
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