Warriors Trade Draymond Green In Media Proposal on 'Fading Dynasty'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Svyatoslav Rovenchuk | Last updated Jan 30, 2025 8:49 AM ET

Choosing to rebuild can be an unpopular decision for any franchise. It gets an added layer of difficulty for a team like the Golden State Warriors, who have been extraordinarily successful over the past decade.

The problem is, that's not who the Warriors are anymore. The 2024-25 version of the Warriors is a mediocre team that is struggling to position themselves for a spot in the Play-In Tournament.

With the NBA Trade Deadline looming on Feb. 6, it is easy to argue that embracing a selling mindset may be the right path for Golden State. There is no clear pathway for the Warriors to reestablish themselves as a contender for Stephen Curry's last few years. Why keep kicking the can down the road?

Kevin O'Connor was of this mindset when he pitched a handful of trade ideas for the Warriors to move on from Draymond Green before this year's deadline. Golden State can embrace moving on from a fading dynasty and add to the foundation for the next era of Warriors basketball.

The following mock trade was one of the deals proposed by O'Connor to help kickstart a rebuild in Golden State.

Rockets receive: Draymond Green, Lindy Waters III

Warriors receive: Cam Whitmore, Steven Adams, Jeff Green, 2027 first-round pick (via PHX), two second-round picks

The Houston Rockets would receive a veteran, championship-winning presence for a talented young core. Green would only help strengthen their defense while providing versatility on the offensive end.

The Warriors' big prize from this deal is the 2027 first-round pick from the Phoenix Suns. By the time that NBA Draft rolls around, that Suns pick could be an extremely valuable piece, aiding the rebuild in Golden State. Cam Whitmore is a solid young player to have healthy expectations for too.

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

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