If the Golden State Warriors are going to swing big ahead of the trade deadline, the math says Draymond Green might have to be part of the equation. That’s the takeaway from recent insider chatter, where ESPN’s Tim MacMahon and Brian Windhorst broke down the financial and roster realities facing Golden State-and why any blockbuster deal centered around Jonathan Kuminga would likely need Green’s contract to make the numbers work.
Let’s unpack it.
The Salary Cap Squeeze
MacMahon laid it out clearly: if the Warriors are eyeing a major move, it’s not just about parting with a promising young player like Kuminga. It’s about salary matching, and Green’s $25.8 million cap hit this season is one of the few big contracts that could help Golden State bring back a star-level player in return.
"Draymond Green is probably getting shipped out," MacMahon said, noting that while such a scenario isn’t highly probable, it’s a necessary consideration based on the current roster and salary structure. In other words, if the Warriors want to make a splash, they’ll need more than just Kuminga’s deal to get it done.
Kuminga: The Trade Centerpiece
Windhorst didn’t hesitate in identifying Kuminga as the key asset Golden State would likely dangle in any major trade talks. The 23-year-old forward has been a puzzle piece the Warriors have tried to develop within their veteran-heavy system, and his physical tools and upside still make him one of the more intriguing young players in the league.
This season, Kuminga is averaging 11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in just under 25 minutes per game. He’s started 13 of his 18 appearances, shooting 43.1% from the field and 32% from deep. His two-year, $46.8 million contract-with a $24.3 million team option next season-gives Golden State some control over his future, but it also makes him a trade chip with real value.
Why Draymond’s Contract Matters
Green, 35, remains a lightning rod for this franchise-on the court, in the locker room, and in the headlines. His production this year (eight points, six rebounds, five assists per game) reflects his role as a glue guy more than a stat-stuffer, but his presence has always been about more than numbers.
Still, his four-year, $100 million contract is a key factor in any trade calculus. With a $27.6 million player option looming next season, Green’s deal is one of the few sizable contracts Golden State could move to match the salary of a potential incoming star.
And there’s another wrinkle: recent tensions between Green and head coach Steve Kerr have added a layer of uncertainty to his long-term fit with the team. While no one’s suggesting the Warriors are actively shopping Green, the reality is that his contract could be the swing piece in any major transaction.
The State of the Warriors
Golden State came into Christmas hovering around .500-right in the thick of a Western Conference that’s as competitive as ever. They’ve leaned heavily on continuity, hoping their veteran core can find another gear. But with the trade deadline approaching, the front office is clearly evaluating whether tweaks-or something bigger-are needed to stay in the playoff mix.
Their Christmas Day win over the Dallas Mavericks, a 126-116 victory, marked their third straight and pushed them to 16-15. It was a reminder of what this team can look like when things click. Now they’ll try to keep that momentum rolling on a three-game road trip, starting Sunday afternoon in Toronto.
Bottom Line
Right now, there’s no indication a trade is imminent. But if the Warriors decide to make a major move, the framework is already in place: Kuminga as the centerpiece, and Green’s contract as the necessary ballast to make the finances work. It’s a complex situation, one that reflects the balance Golden State is trying to strike between building for the future and maximizing the present.
The Warriors have always walked that tightrope better than most. But with the clock ticking on this core, the next few weeks could determine whether they stay the course-or shake things up in a big way.