Draymond Green Confuses Luka Doncic Trade for Kevin Durant’s Warriors Return!

Before acquiring Jimmy Butler in February, the Golden State Warriors were engaged in discussions with the Phoenix Suns about a possible return of Kevin Durant to Golden State. The Warriors aimed to enlist another top player in their quest for a fifth championship, with Durant previously contributing to their 2017 and 2018 championship victories.

However, instead of Durant rejoining the Warriors, it was the trade of Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers that sent shockwaves through the NBA.

Just before the Mavericks’ surprising decision to trade Doncic, Draymond Green learned from Warriors owner Joe Lacob that they were close to securing Durant. When Steph Curry first inquired with Green about “the trade,” Green assumed he was referring to Durant’s deal.

“We were at the Warriors charity poker tournament when it all went down. Just 10 minutes before, I had spoken to Joe Lacob,” Green reminisced during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. “Joe tells me, ‘Draymond, it looks like we’re going to get Kevin Durant. It’s almost done, it’s happening, we’re getting him back.’ I’m thinking, ‘Alright, here we go.’ We talk more, and he asks, ‘You think it will work?’ I’m like, ‘Definitely.’ Then he comes back, out of breath, ‘Draymond, Draymond, I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone. Keep it to yourself.’ I’m like, ‘Joe, don’t worry, I won’t tell a soul.'”

Green continued: “At the tournament, I sit down, and about 15 minutes later, Steph calls out, ‘Draymond, did you see the trade?’ I respond, ‘It’s done!’ Steph asks, ‘Wait, who?’ I go, ‘Oh, never mind. Nobody. What happened?’ He says, ‘Luka was traded.'”

Poker player Alan Keating captured Green’s reaction at the Warriors’ charity event. When Green realized it was Doncic, not Durant who was traded, his smile quickly morphed into a look of disbelief.

“I was stunned,” Green told Kimmel. “It’s rare for superstars, especially at 25, to be traded. Luka is not just a star but a megastar, fresh from the NBA Finals. Trades like this are just not common in the NBA. I immediately thought, ‘Am I next if Luka can be traded?'”

Ultimately, Durant decided against moving to the Warriors midseason. Instead, the Warriors ended up acquiring Butler, who turned out to be an excellent addition. With Butler, the Warriors were on track for a strong postseason run until an injury to Curry’s hamstring hindered their chances against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference finals.

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