“It’s probably six months left for the Draymond Green era,” says Marcus Thompson from The Athletic. Seriously, let that sink in. The Golden State Warriors are staring down the barrel of a brand-new era, and after snagging four NBA championships, NOBODY wants to see key players start packing their bags. But here we are, looking at Draymond potentially in his final year. He’s on a one-year, $27.8 million deal, and get this: no trade clause. That makes his contract incredibly tradable, and if we’re being real, this whole vibe has been building for a while now. The writing’s on the wall, and it’s flashing bright.
Dunleavy’s Gut Punch: A Full Reset?
Thompson didn’t just drop that bomb; he pointed to Warriors GM Dunleavy’s recent comments as the real kicker. It sounds less like speculation and more like a declaration, almost a warning shot: “Alright, let’s see where we are in February because if we’re not where we need to be, then we’re just going to start selling pieces off and starting over.” Whoa. “Selling pieces off and starting over”? For a team that just won four titles? That is a MASSIVE shift in philosophy. It tells you everything you need to know about the pressure cooker Golden State is in. They’re trying to give Steph Curry one last, glorious Finals run, and if it’s not happening, they’re ready to blow it all up. That’s a high-stakes gamble, my friends.
Ben Simmons: The Shocking Solution for Steph?
Now, if Draymond does get moved by that mid-season trade deadline, here’s where things get wild. Peter O’Keefe from Blue Man Hoops is already floating a name for next offseason: Ben Simmons. Seriously, Ben Simmons! O’Keefe thinks he could become “a lot more interesting” for the Warriors, especially if he can regain some form with the Sacramento Kings. Simmons just signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Kings, making his return to the NBA after sitting out the entire 2025-26 season. We’re talking about a three-time All-Star, a one-time All-NBA star, and a 10-year veteran who has already made $203 million in his career. The fit? O’Keefe says Simmons fits the Warriors’ mold with his “high level passing and defensive versatility.” Imagine that: a dynamic Simmons paired with Steph Curry in 2027-28! That would be an absolutely fascinating duo, giving Curry that elite playmaker and defender needed for a serious Finals push. It’s a bold prediction, but it makes you wonder if it’s the kind of move the Warriors would make to maximize Steph’s twilight years.
The Warriors have some monumental decisions looming this season. Everything hinges on whether they can rally for that last Finals run with Curry or if they’ll hit the reset button completely. How they handle Draymond Green’s situation and who they target down the line will define Steph’s final, legendary chapter. Buckle up, because this is going to be a fascinating season to watch.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
Leave a Reply