Over time, an NBA player can become synonymous with a franchise. When they’ve been on the team for a long time, and they’ve had enough success with that team, it becomes difficult to picture them playing for anyone else.
Take Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors. By now, his legacy as a Warrior is solidified. He’s been an integral part of their dynasty. Indeed, they couldn’t trade him – could they?
We wouldn’t be so sure. Recently, it’s been rumored that everyone but Steph Curry could be on the block for the Warriors. We may see Green play elsewhere.
Could he play for the Los Angeles Clippers?
NBA Trade Proposal: Los Angeles Clippers Land Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green
Golden State Warriors Receive: G/F Norman Powell, F P.J. Tucker
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: F/C Draymond Green, G/F Gary Payton III
With that said, history is full of NBA players who didn’t retire from the teams they’re most associated with. The end of a player’s career can see them on the move. Some fans don’t like it, but it happens.
Remember Tony Parker in a Charlotte Hornets jersey? You may recall Patrick Ewing suiting up for the Seattle Super Sonics and Orlando Magic if you’re an older reader. You may also recall Shaquille O’Neal playing for…everyone besides the Los Angeles Lakers.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Green may end up in a Clippers jersey. He may end up in a Sacramento Kings jersey. Either way, he’ll be remembered as a Warrior. Could the organization trade him given that bond?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
It’s been quite the run for the Warriors. That run may be coming to an end. The Warriors are aging, mediocre, and expensive. This deal attempts to solve some of those problems.
If nothing else, it helps the team financially. Powell is on a slightly smaller deal than Green, and it runs one year shorter. Meanwhile, next year is the last year of Tucker’s deal. With that said, this trade is also an attempt to save the Warriors’ season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers Updates
They may need Powell’s scoring punch more than they need Green. Meanwhile, Tucker can replace some of what Green brings to the table. This deal could make Golden State a better team, but if it doesn’t, it at least makes them an easier one to manage financially.
Should the Clippers take on Green’s contract?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
Earlier in the year, the Clippers made a move for James Harden. That deal has paid off for them. The Clippers look like bonafide title contenders. With that said, they may be missing Nicolas Batum and Robert Covington.
Here, they’re replacing them. Green is a similarly versatile defensive wing. He’s aging out of his prime, but Green can still use his elite defensive instincts and understanding to impact the game. This deal should make the Clippers a better team.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Is his contract burdensome? Absolutely. For the Clippers, this is a pure win-now move. They’ll hope to win a title following this deal, and sort out the details after. In the meantime, Warriors fans would have to get used to seeing Green in a different jersey.
