Even Stephen Curry was willing to accept a future without Draymond Green if it meant upgrading the Warriors into contenders again. That reality surfaced after a new report revealed just how seriously Golden State explored a blockbuster move for Giannis Antetokounmpo at the trade deadline.

While those talks never materialized into a deal, fresh reporting from ESPN’s Anthony Slater revealed that Curry never stood in the way of the idea, even if it meant parting with his longtime teammate.

Slater in his report disclosed what Curry reportedly said: “I didn’t spend time on the conversation. But I guess Giannis is the only one that would’ve made sense. And I think, to his point, any team would’ve looked at that. But we never got there. I guess I’m the only one that is off the board, out of the conversation, but you have to be naïve to not understand the business side of it.”

The mindset reflects where the Warriors currently stand. Sitting around the play-in range in the Western Conference and fighting to stay relevant in Curry’s late prime, Golden State has been forced to weigh difficult decisions about its core. In that context, a generational talent like Antetokounmpo was viewed internally as the only move big enough to justify breaking up the dynasty foundation.

According to Slater, the Warriors had indeed included Green in conceptualized deals. He added that the four-time champion was even alerted days before the deadline, and rather than resist, the veteran forward accepted the reality of the situation.

Green, known for his tough persona, admitted the situation initially caught him off guard, saying, “I’m a human being… There was a second of me that felt like, ‘Damn, they really going to do that to me?’” However, he quickly reframed it, adding, “This is Giannis Antetokounmpo… They not just about to trade me for a bag of peanuts. It would’ve almost been a point of pride.”

That internal debate didn’t happen in a vacuum. Green’s production this season has dipped, averaging under nine points while struggling with efficiency, even though his defensive impact remains elite. Combined with past disciplinary issues, including his suspension history, the front office had real reasons to at least explore a major roster shift.

The Warriors publicly downplayed the situation after the deadline, with general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. calling much of the speculation “noise.” Green, however, has consistently maintained that there was no internal fallout from those discussions.

What’s next for Draymond Green?

The NBA has proven time and again how unpredictable it can be. Blockbuster moves like Luka Doncic’s shocking move to the Los Angeles Lakers showed that no player is completely untouchable. Green is undoubtedly aware of that reality, but he also knows the situation isn’t entirely out of his hands.

He holds a $27.6 million player option for next season and has already begun weighing his options with agent Rich Paul. “Maybe you opt out and do a longer deal. Maybe you opt in and extend,” Green said. “I earned the right to be in this position.”

In 2023, he declined a similar option and took a pay cut to help the Warriors navigate tax constraints. Furthermore, he eventually secured a four-year deal and this time, according to league sources he now expects either an opt-in or a restructured extension.

Ultimately, the situation highlights a shifting reality in Golden State. Curry’s willingness to embrace the business side and Green’s acceptance of that possibility show that even the Warriors’ longest-standing pillars are no longer untouchable as the franchise searches for one more title run.