Trading Draymond Green always seemed unlikely-until it didn't. As the trade deadline approached this year, the Warriors seriously considered parting ways with their longtime franchise icon.
Ultimately, they decided to keep Draymond, signaling a commitment to ride with him until the end. It's hard to imagine Draymond not finishing his career as a Warrior.
When you take a step back, it makes sense for the Warriors to let Draymond finish his journey with the team he helped elevate to greatness. His contributions to the dynasty are invaluable, and his current production still outshines what he might fetch in a trade market at age 36.
The Warriors are embracing a "why not" approach, and making Draymond a lifetime Warrior fits perfectly with that philosophy.
With a player option on the horizon, Green might opt out to negotiate a longer deal with the Warriors. While other teams would surely be interested in the future Hall of Famer, it's tough to see him playing elsewhere-especially with whispers of LeBron potentially heading to the Bay becoming more plausible.
Despite any discontent from fans about trade rumors, it's unlikely to drive Draymond away. His bond with Steph Curry and admiration for LeBron James, coupled with his comfort in Steve Kerr's system, makes staying in Golden State an appealing choice.
Draymond once said, "I would never be a Steve Jobs. That's Steph Curry, but I can say this with pride, that thing doesn't get built without me."
He's right. While the Warriors might not have another groundbreaking move up their sleeve, keeping Draymond is a smart way to honor their legacy.