The Golden State Warriors are considering a major roster move involving Draymond Green in order to acquire Domantas Sabonis, a $186 million All-Star whose skill set could significantly enhance the team’s championship hopes. This potential Draymond Green trade rumors for Warriors roster upgrade has emerged amid the franchise’s pursuit of a fifth title during the Steph Curry era.
Warriors’ Current Situation and Playoff Challenges
Draymond Green has been a pivotal figure for the Warriors, contributing to four NBA championships and earning multiple All-Star and All-Defensive Team honors throughout his career. The team was positioned to contend strongly this season after adding Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat, and they advanced past the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs. However, Steph Curry’s Grade 1 left hamstring strain sustained in Game 1 of the second round against the Minnesota Timberwolves dramatically affected Golden State’s momentum, leading to four consecutive losses following his absence.
Although Golden State claimed the 2022 championship over the Boston Celtics, they have not reached the conference finals since, suggesting that further changes might be necessary to maintain their status as title contenders.
Potential Trade for Sabonis Could Reshape Warriors’ Core
Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz has proposed that the Warriors pursue Sacramento Kings’ Domantas Sabonis, even if acquiring him requires parting ways with Draymond Green. Sabonis, 29, is viewed as an ideal candidate to become the third star alongside Curry and Butler, providing valuable versatility and offensive firepower.
“Sabonis would be the perfect third star for the Golden State Warriors, even if it meant trading Green in order to get him,”
Swartz stated.
“The 29-year-old has led the NBA in rebounding for three years in a row, is the league’s second-best passing big man after Nikola Jokic and shot 41.7 percent from three this season. Curry, Butler and Sabonis would give head coach Steve Kerr a ton of offensive options.”
—Greg Swartz, Bleacher Report
Sabonis’ Performance and Contract Details
Domantas Sabonis played 70 games this season for the Kings, averaging 19.1 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game. He shot an efficient 59.0 percent from the field, 41.7 percent from three-point range, and 75.4 percent from the free-throw line. His production as a three-time All-Star reflects his status as one of the league’s premier big men.
In 2023, Sabonis signed a renegotiated four-year contract worth $186 million with Sacramento, which includes a $43.6 million salary for the upcoming season. His NBA career has also included stints with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers, with overall averages of 16.1 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game.
Implications of Trading Green for Sabonis Moving Forward
The Warriors face a complex decision in weighing Green’s leadership and defensive prowess against Sabonis’ elite rebounding, passing, and scoring abilities. The addition of Sabonis could redefine Golden State’s offensive strategies and potentially restore the team’s trajectory toward championship contention. Such a trade would also mark a significant shift in the Warriors’ core lineup and could signal an evolution in their playing style under coach Steve Kerr.