That moment in Paris: LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant sharing a moment after beating Serbia belongs in a museum. For Draymond Green, watching it from afar was bittersweet. After a turbulent NBA season marked by multiple suspensions and on-court controversies, Green was not selected for Team USA, costing him a chance to share the Olympic stage with the one superstar he’s never played alongside: LeBron James.

Missing out still lingers with him. In a candid interview with the New York Post, Green opened up about how his relationship with James has grown over the years and how much he still wants to experience being his teammate.

“I think him and Steph shared the want to take the court together, and they got the opportunity to do that in the Olympics in Paris,” Green said. “I’ve always wanted the opportunity. Just to experience it, to see how he thinks, to see, all right, what I could do to help him and his thinking. Or what can I learn and pick up about what he’s thinking,” the Warriors forward told the New York Post.

That opportunity nearly materialized once before. A few seasons ago, Green even enlisted agent Rich Paul to gauge James’ interest in joining the Warriors. At the time, however, the 22-time All-Star had no intention of leaving Los Angeles. Now, both of their futures appear uncertain.

James is entering the final year of his Lakers contract and could become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Yet Green himself acknowledges that the dream of teaming up with LeBron is unlikely to happen.

Instead, the immediate focus has shifted to his own uncertain status in Golden State. After 14 seasons and four championships, Green’s place with the Warriors is no longer guaranteed.

Draymond Green linked to Bucks amidst Giannis Antetokounmpo trade talks

With reports that the Milwaukee Bucks are at least listening to offers for Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Warriors have positioned themselves as one of the most aggressive suitors.

Acquiring a two-time MVP, however, would require Golden State to part with a major foundational piece. And that’s where Green enters the conversation.

Recent reports mentioning Jimmy Butler created confusion about how he factors into the Warriors’ plans. However, his current situation effectively removes him from any potential Giannis deal.

The six-time All-Star recently suffered a season-ending ACL injury, and according to multiple reports, Golden State has no intention of moving him while he begins a lengthy rehabilitation process. The front office views Butler as a long-term piece, not a trade asset.

That stance dramatically impacts the Warriors’ options. As The Athletic reported, with Butler unavailable for inclusion, Green becomes the only realistic salary-matching centerpiece if the Warriors hope to land Antetokounmpo.

“To that point, league sources say Green and his camp are well aware that the prospect of him being sent to Milwaukee is very real. As our Nick Friedell reported on Monday, Jimmy Butler has been given strong indications that the Warriors plan to ‘stick by him as he begins a year-long rehab’ from his recently torn ACL. And if Butler isn’t in the proposed deal — based on the economics and league rules — then Green is,” The Athletic reported.

In practical terms, the most likely framework would be a package built around Green and Jonathan Kuminga. Kuminga requested a trade last month due to frustrations over his role and inconsistent playing time, and the Warriors have quietly explored moving him for months.

Green’s $27.6 million salary would be essential to matching Antetokounmpo’s massive $54 million contract, making his inclusion almost unavoidable from a financial standpoint.

Moving Green would represent far more than a routine transaction. He has been Golden State’s defensive backbone, emotional leader, and cultural pillar throughout their four championship runs. Alongside Stephen Curry, he helped define one of the NBA’s greatest modern dynasties.

Trading him would effectively signal the end of an era. But with Curry still playing at an elite level and the Warriors desperate to maximize what remains of his prime, the organization appears willing to consider a monumental sacrifice.

Landing a generational force like Antetokounmpo could extend their championship window, but only by breaking up the very core that created it.