Draymond Green’s Frustration Highlights Warriors’ Need for Frontcourt Help - Here Are 5 Centers Who Could Fill the Void
Draymond Green has never been one to shy away from a challenge. He’s made a career out of being the undersized enforcer in the paint, anchoring Golden State’s defense with grit, IQ, and a whole lot of heart. But even the toughest players hit a wall, and right now, it sounds like Green is feeling the weight - literally.
According to multiple reports, Green is growing increasingly frustrated with his nightly assignment of guarding bigger, heavier centers. It’s a tough ask, even for a four-time NBA champion and former Defensive Player of the Year. At 6-foot-6 and roughly 230 pounds, Green is often giving up 40 to 50 pounds to opposing bigs, and that kind of grind takes a toll over the course of a season.
This frustration reportedly boiled over during a recent game against the Orlando Magic, when Green and head coach Steve Kerr had a heated exchange on the sideline during the Warriors’ 120-97 win. While the team downplayed the incident postgame, ESPN’s Marc Spears noted that Green’s discontent is tied to his role - specifically, the burden of playing undersized center night after night.
And here’s the thing: Green’s not wrong. The Warriors have been getting beat up in the paint all season.
They’re near the bottom of the league in rebounding, blocked shots, and points allowed in the paint. That’s not just a stat sheet issue - it’s a roster construction problem.
It’s no surprise, then, that Golden State is reportedly in the market for a big man. According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, the front office is actively searching for size and athleticism - someone who can protect the rim, clean the glass, and hold their own against the league’s more physical frontcourts.
So, who could be on the Warriors’ radar? Let’s break down five centers that make sense as trade targets - each with a different skill set, risk level, and price tag.
1. Nikola Vucevic - Chicago Bulls
If Golden State is looking for a floor-spacing big who can slot into Steve Kerr’s motion-heavy offense, Vucevic is an intriguing option. He’s not the high-flying rim protector the Warriors might ideally want, but he brings a different kind of value.
Vucevic is a career 35% shooter from beyond the arc and a steady rebounder. He’s not going to anchor a defense, but offensively, he fits the Warriors’ style - a big who can pass, shoot, and keep the floor spaced for Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. At 35 years old, he also fits the Warriors’ win-now timeline, assuming the front office still believes this core has another run in them.
The Bulls have been flirting with a rebuild for a while now, and if they decide to blow it up, Vucevic could be on the move.
2. Ivica Zubac - LA Clippers
If Golden State wants to swing big, Zubac would be a bold play. The Clippers’ 7-footer has quietly become one of the more reliable traditional centers in the league. He’s averaging 15.6 points and 11.1 rebounds over 28 games and has drawn praise as a potential future All-Star.
Zubac brings size, toughness, and a true interior presence - exactly what the Warriors have been lacking. But he won’t come cheap. The Clippers would likely ask for a significant return, especially since they’re still trying to contend themselves.
Still, if the Warriors are serious about addressing their frontcourt issues in a meaningful way, Zubac is worth a long look.
3. Daniel Gafford - Dallas Mavericks
Gafford might not have the name recognition of some of the other players on this list, but he checks a lot of boxes. At 6-foot-10, he’s athletic, mobile, and active on both ends of the floor. He’s averaging 7.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 19 games - solid production in a limited role.
Gafford doesn’t stretch the floor, but he brings vertical spacing as a lob threat and rim protector. He fits the mold of what Golden State is reportedly looking for: a big who can defend and rebound without needing the ball.
If the Mavericks are looking to tweak their roster, a package involving Moses Moody, veteran Al Horford, and a future pick could get the conversation started.
4. Nic Claxton - Brooklyn Nets
Claxton is another athletic big who could thrive in Golden State’s system. He’s averaging 13.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks across 27 games for the Nets, and he’s shown the ability to switch defensively - a must in the Warriors’ scheme.
The catch? Claxton is in the second year of a four-year, $97 million deal, and Brooklyn’s asking price is likely steep. But with the Nets sitting at 8-19, they may be more open to deals than they were a few months ago.
A trade package centered around Jonathan Kuminga - who has previously drawn interest from Brooklyn - could be enough to get the Nets to the table.
5. Robert Williams III - Portland Trail Blazers
This one’s a gamble, but the upside is real. Williams has struggled to stay healthy in Portland, but when he’s on the floor, he’s a game-changer. Back in Boston, he was a defensive anchor - blocking shots, altering drives, and cleaning up the glass.
At 6-foot-9, he’s not a traditional center, but he plays bigger than his size thanks to elite timing and instincts. He also has playoff experience, which could be invaluable for a Warriors team still clinging to championship aspirations.
The risk here is durability. Williams hasn’t played a full season in years. But if Golden State’s medical staff believes they can keep him on the court, he could be the kind of low-cost, high-reward acquisition that pays off in April and May.
The Bottom Line
Draymond Green’s frustration is a symptom of a larger issue in Golden State - a roster that lacks true size and physicality in the paint. Whether it’s Vucevic’s shooting, Zubac’s interior presence, Gafford’s athleticism, Claxton’s versatility, or Williams’ defensive upside, the Warriors have options.
But the clock is ticking. If Golden State wants to make one more run with this core, they’ll need to find Green some help - and soon. Because as tough as he is, even Draymond can’t keep carrying the weight alone.