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Draymond Green Punishment Update Emerges After Steve Kerr Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Dec 24, 2025 8:08 PM ET

Draymond Green didn't play in the final 20 minutes of the Golden State Warriors' 120-97 win over the Orlando Magic on Monday. However, it was not because Steve Kerr opted to rest him with the Dubs dominating the game.

Instead, Green didn't see the court again after he left the bench and headed to the locker room following a tense moment with Kerr in the third quarter. The 35-year-old forward did return to the bench eventually, but the Warriors coach didn't put him back to the game again.

Green finished with nine points, seven rebounds and two assists in 18 minutes of action.

After the contest, both Kerr and Green admitted that tempers boiled over, leading to their altercation. The two also emphasized that Green left to cool down. While they refused to go into detail on what was said between them, they highlighted that they are ready to move on from the incident.

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) looks on during a game.Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

While Kerr and Green clearly didn't want to make the situation a bigger issue, there were concerns about whether or not the Warriors would punish him. After all, arguing with the head coach is one thing, but leaving mid-game is another.

Furthermore, back in 2018, Green was suspended after he argued with then-teammate Kevin Durant during a showdown with the Los Angeles Clippers — conduct that the Dubs deemed detrimental to the team.

Interestingly, according to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, the Warriors do not plan to suspend or fine Green for his actions.

"I don't expect there to be any suspension or fine or anything like that," Shelburne said when asked about any potential fallout as a result of the situation.

Shelburne added that Green's action of taking himself out was "sort of seen as a sign of growth," as he understands that he can't take back something that he said "in the heat of the moment" and that "there could be consequences."

"Draymond actually spoke with general manager Mike Dunleavy last night before he addressed the media, and they had a nice conversation," Shelburne shared.

The Warriors face the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday for their Christmas Day showdown, and based on Shelburne's report, Green will be available to play.

It's also worth noting that Kerr appeared to confirm Green's status, telling reporters on Wednesday that he expects the 14-year NBA veteran to do his "very best," according to NBC Sports.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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