The Draymond Green Route
If the Warriors were to trade Green, it would make sense from a schematic standpoint.
Simply put, Kerr has demonstrated a certain level of rigidity about floor-spacing. To his credit, he showed a willingness to adapt to Butler’s strengths. Nevertheless, his tolerance of Butler’s mediocre marksmanship doesn’t designate his preference. With that being said, Green is a slightly worse 3-point shooter than Butler; he’s made 32.0% of his career 3s whereas Butler’s canned 33.0% of his career 3s. Yet, the way teams guard him (or, don’t) because of his general lack of scoring ability makes him far worse for the hardwood geometry.
In the halfcourt, Antetokounmpo’s growth as a jump shooter makes it risky to play off of him. To that point, he’s shooting 39.5% from 3 this season and made 44.2% of his midrange attempts in 2024-25. He’s an aggressive scorer who defenders need to pick up as soon as possible in the open court. However, a physical marvel with rarefied finishing ability, teams would obviously prefer to keep Antetokounmpo out of the paint.
Ultimately, the idea of Green and Antetokounmpo sharing the floor has its merits, particularly defensively. Still, trading Green will be deflating, in a sense. On the court, Antetokounmpo can do everything Green can do and more. In the locker room, Antetokounmpo’s sure to be a vocal leader that holds his teammates accountable, the same as Green. However, the chemistry that Green has built with Curry, Kerr and the fan base won’t easily be matched. The history never will.
Maybe if Klay Thompson had remained in blue and gold it would be different. But without either Thompson or Green alongside Curry in the twilight of their careers, his next championship will ring a little hollow.
