The Golden State Warriors are exploring significant roster changes this offseason, focusing on improving their lineup around Steph Curry. Central to these discussions is the potential trade involving Draymond Green, which could bring Lauri Markkanen to the Warriors. This move aims to strengthen the team’s depth at center and wing, addressing gaps in playmaking and shooting highlighted during last season’s playoff run.

As the Warriors face challenges in maintaining a strong second scoring option behind Curry, the prospect of trading Draymond Green has gained traction. Such a trade could reshape the Warriors’ frontcourt and potentially send Green back to his hometown team, the Detroit Pistons.

Warriors Seek Roster Improvements After Offseason Struggles

The Warriors’ quest for upgrades comes after a season where key needs emerged clearly. Their core challenges include boosting center depth, enhancing wing shooting, and improving playmaking outside Steph Curry. The addition of Jimmy Butler at the 2025 trade deadline initially aimed to address these deficits, but Butler’s performance left questions unanswered.

Butler’s scoring output fell short of expectations, particularly when Curry was sidelined during the playoffs’ second round against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Although Butler’s presence helped create space for Curry on the court, his average points per game were below what the Warriors require from a dependable No. 2 option.

During the regular season, Butler averaged 17.5 points per game on 50.4 percent shooting, including just over 30 percent from three-point range. In the playoffs, his numbers slightly improved to 19.2 points per game but with decreased shooting efficiency. This underwhelming box score production suggests the Warriors need a more consistent secondary scorer when Curry is off the floor.

Draymond Green’s Role and Trade Potential Amid Aging Core

The Warriors remain unlikely to part ways with Butler due to his contract and current market value, but Draymond Green’s future with the team is uncertain. The trio of Butler, Green, and Curry are all approaching 36 years or older, raising concerns about sustaining elite performance through long NBA seasons.

Green, while a Defensive Player of the Year finalist and essential for the Warriors defensively and as a leader, has limited offensive contributions, particularly alongside Butler. Data from NBA.com reveals the frontcourt pair of Green and Butler had the worst net rating (-4.4) and offensive rating (105.2) among notable two-player lineups in the playoffs. This has led to speculation that Green’s veteran presence may be more valuable as a trade asset than as part of the Warriors’ core moving forward.

With four draft picks and young prospects like Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga available, Golden State has assets to make a significant move. Trading Green could open opportunities to acquire players who better fit the team’s evolving needs and reduce the average age of the roster.

Possible Trade Scenario: Markkanen and Green Deal Involving the Pistons

The Warriors have been linked to Lauri Markkanen for much of the 2024-25 season before opting for Butler at the trade deadline. Markkanen, now 28, signed an extension with the Utah Jazz but does not perfectly align with Utah’s future plans. This mismatch creates the possibility for a blockbuster trade.

A direct trade between the Warriors and the Jazz exchanging Draymond Green for Markkanen is complicated, as the Jazz may be hesitant to accept Green. To resolve this, the Warriors could involve the Detroit Pistons, Green’s hometown team, in a three-way deal that benefits each franchise’s needs.

Under this arrangement, the Warriors would receive Lauri Markkanen, Isaiah Stewart, and Simone Fontecchio, adding both offensive weapons and frontcourt depth. The Jazz would acquire highly regarded young players Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody via a sign-and-trade, along with multiple draft picks to aid their rebuilding process. The Pistons would gain veteran leadership and championship experience by obtaining Draymond Green, which can accelerate their developing roster.

A potential trade breakdown could look like this:

Warriors receive:

• Lauri Markkanen
• Isaiah Stewart
• Simone Fontecchio

Jazz receive:

• Jonathan Kuminga (signed via $100M/4 year deal)
• Moses Moody
• 2026 first-round pick (via Warriors)
• 2028 first-round pick (via Warriors)
• 2027 second-round pick (via Jazz)

Pistons receive:

• Draymond Green

Impact and Future Outlook for the Warriors

This potential trade could rejuvenate the Warriors by bringing in a younger, more efficient offensive presence in Markkanen and reinforcing the frontcourt with Stewart. At the same time, the Jazz would receive promising talent and valuable draft capital aligned with their rebuilding timeline.

For Detroit, acquiring Green offers much-needed veteran guidance and playoff experience, which could help maximize the growth of their youthful roster.

Such a move highlights the Warriors’ urgency to adapt their lineup while balancing their aging stars. The Draymond Green potential trade impact on Warriors reflects an underlying tension between maintaining veteran leadership and pursuing roster rejuvenation. As the offseason progresses, these high-stakes negotiations will shape Golden State’s path toward remaining a championship contender.