The 2025–26 season unraveled painfully for the Warriors. Injuries piled up, and their identity slipped away. Now, a 36–41 record is all they have to keep them clinging to the 10th seed in the West. This downfall felt more like the end of the era. Especially when injuries hit both Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry, desperation set in. The front office began chasing change, even entertaining the unthinkable: moving on from Draymond Green to reset everything.

“After making a strong pitch for Giannis at the trade deadline, one that included all of their future draft capital and young players like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, as well as the possibility of flipping Draymond for an extra draft pick,” ClutchPoint’s Brett Seigel’s latest report said. “The Milwaukee Bucks signaled that they were not ready to move the superstar big man. At one point, there was a proposal put together by the Dubs that would have sent Green to the Lakers for a future protected draft pick, sources said.”

At the trade deadline earlier in February, the Warriors seriously explored moving Draymond Green as part of a bigger plan to land Giannis Antetokounmpo. One idea even had Green heading to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for a future protected draft pick, helping the Dubs collect more assets. However, this move depended on Milwaukee’s willingness to trade Giannis. Since the Bucks refused, the entire plan, including Draymond’s potential exit, fell apart.

Now, as you know, Giannis Antetokounmpo could quietly shake up the entire league this summer. With about a year left on his contract, the Bucks lose their grip, and Giannis holds the cards. Well, the owners did say that if he doesn’t agree to the 4-year, $275 million extension in October, they’ll trade him.

So, it feels like a tug-of-war for power in Milwaukee. But if the Greek star becomes available in the market, teams will naturally line up with offers. However, the Warriors had a line in the sand. They’d only move Draymond Green if it truly brought Giannis within reach. Anything less felt like a gamble they couldn’t afford.

At the same time, ambition hits reality. The Warriors front office can throw in draft picks, adjust Green’s deal, and even think about Moses Moody, though that’s a stretch. Still, a move for Kawhi Leonard feels like solving a puzzle with missing pieces. The money math doesn’t really cooperate with their vision, and the tax apron rules only tighten the noose.

The Warriors can shake up their roster this offseason

Heading into the offseason, Kristaps Porzingis will hit unrestricted free agency. However, the former Celtics star has expressed interest in staying at the Bay. Moreover, KP is eyeing a short-term payday, likely in the $18M–$24M range on a 1+1 deal with a player option. That setup keeps flexibility alive while still securing solid money. Meanwhile, the spotlight quietly shifts to Draymond Green.

His $27.7M player option sits at the center of the Warriors‘ entire offseason puzzle, holding more weight than it seems at first glance. But things will take a turn if the 36-year-old decides to make a sacrifice. If he opts out and settles in the $16M–$18M range, the Warriors suddenly breathe easier. That move unlocks the full $15M mid-level exception and keeps them safely under the luxury tax. In turn, it gives the front office room to actually build rather than survive.

At the same time, if the Warriors truly chase Kawhi Leonard this offseason, then the story changes again. For the 2026-27 season, the Clippers star brings a heavy $50.3M cap hit under his fully guaranteed $149.5M deal with the Clippers. Meanwhile, the Warriors are already drowning at $273.7M in total salary, worst in the league, leaving a brutal -$108.7M in cap space. Their apron cushions sit at $27.02M and $40.0M. However, patience could change everything, with Kawhi potentially becoming a UFA in 2027.

So, there are several paths the Warriors can embark on in the offseason. One, they can add Kawhi Leonard to the roster and tighten the financial scenes further. Second, they can deny Kristaps Porzingis another deal to make some space. And lastly, they could make adjustments with Draymond Green, or maybe truly move him for someone as big as Giannis.