NBA Champion Names Draymond Green Replacement for Warriors Over Nikola Jokic Issue

The Golden State Warriors, a franchise that rarely stays out of the spotlight, have had an unexpectedly quiet offseason. Outside of swirling trade rumors, particularly around Jonathan Kuminga, there’s been little movement, and the silence is starting to raise concerns. But earlier in the year, optimism was high after the bold addition of Jimmy Butler, a move that fueled 48 wins and a spirited run to the Western Conference Semifinals. With Steph Curry, Butler, and Draymond Green forming a formidable core, the belief was that a few smart offseason additions could push the Warriors back into true title contention. Instead, as the 2025 season nears, the lack of progress is making that window feel like it’s closing fast.

On the Club 52 Podcast, the NBA champion, Jeff Teague, broke down the Warriors’ struggles. “I think they got to get a big, with that small ball lineup. I’m a fan of Draymond, but I just don’t think that’s going to hold up no more. He can’t guard [Nikola] Jokic and all them dudes for a long period of time. There’s too many people out West. But I just don’t think that can hold up no more.” Green can still defend at a high level in spurts and as part of a team scheme, but expecting him to single-handedly neutralize players of that caliber for extended minutes is becoming unrealistic because he is aging, and the West’s talent pool with tall front-court players gets deeper. But Teague feels one player can fill that vacuum.

“If they got a Vucevic or somebody, then I could, like, dang, they might make a push. Even though Vucevic is not like a good defender or anything, but he’s a capable scorer. But then they got, like, a backup big that could guard a little bit,” Jeff Teague said. Basically, he sees Nikola Vučević as a guy who could take some of the offensive load off and give Golden State a little more wiggle room in their lineup. Vucevic isn’t perfect; he’s never been known for defense, and he’s not exactly quick on his feet, but there’s no denying his scoring chops.

Last season, he averaged 18.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting efficiently, including over 40% from three. Over his career, Vučević has been remarkably consistent, averaging a double-double for the past seven seasons, with career numbers of 17.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. His defensive shortcomings might be a concern: his highest Defensive Win Share was 4.4 in 2022-23, and it dipped as low as 1.2 the season before, but he remains a reliable floor spacer and contributor on offense.

It turns out Teague wasn’t the only one eyeing Vučević. Golden State reportedly explored bringing him in last season, seeing him as a 6’10” center who could fit into Steve Kerr’s offense and help relieve some pressure on Curry. That said, the Warriors have since shifted focus. NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that the team is now a leading contender to sign veteran Al Horford, who brings both rebounding and stretch capabilities similar to Vučević. While the Vučević trade talk seems to have cooled, the Warriors will finally wish to make a move to allow Green what he wants.

Draymond Green is versatile, but Kerr has an issue

Draymond Green has long been the prototypical power forward, but after the Warriors’ 2022 championship, he began spending more time at center, particularly once Kevon Looney lost his starting role. Speaking in October 2024 about Green’s position, Steve Kerr acknowledged, “Last year (2023), we started him at center, which was more feasible given the league playing faster and more 3-point shooting.” Yet even Kerr has admitted the approach has its limits.

Kerr has time and again outlined his vision for the next season: “There’s part of me that doesn’t love the idea of Draymond being the starting five and playing heavy minutes there.” Green understands that and acknowledged the issue, but feels he still can do it. Being able to switch between multiple positions while understanding the nuances of each role only a skill few players in the league can match, and one that has made him such a unique and invaluable presence for the Warriors.

To put things in perspective, with Steph, Butler, and Green running the show, the Warriors remain competitive, but they don’t look quite like a title-ready team. That’s why names such as Nikola Vučević and Al Horford keep surfacing as potential frontcourt solutions. Adding a traditional big man would not only protect Green from the grind of full-time center duty but also balance the roster, giving Golden State the interior presence it’s been missing. At this point, making that move is less a luxury and more a necessity if the Warriors want to extend their championship window.