Warriors could surprisingly cut ties with 4-time All-Star in trade to Lakers

Colin Keane

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Warriors could surprisingly cut ties with 4-time All-Star in trade to Lakers image

Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

The Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers are running out of time.

The Warriors, despite a core of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler, were ousted in the Conference Semifinals by the Minnesota Timberwolves, exposing their need for roster depth and youth.

Meanwhile, the Lakers, built around LeBron James and Luka Dončić, suffered a first-round loss to the same Timberwolves, highlighting their lack of defensive grit and roster balance. 

With both teams looking to retool, a blockbuster trade could be on the horizon.

The Trade

Lakers receive…

  • Draymond Green

Warriors receive…

  • Dalton Knecht
  • Rui Hachimura (expiring)
  • 2031 first-round pick

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For the Lakers, this move would align perfectly with their short championship window. LeBron, now 40, remains a force, but time is ticking. While Dalton Knecht, a young wing with sharpshooting potential, has shown promise, his timeline doesn’t match the urgency of a win-now roster.

Green, a defensive savant and vocal leader, would transform the Lakers’ defense, which struggled mightily in the playoffs. Green’s ability to guard multiple positions and facilitate on offense would complement Dončić’s playmaking and LeBron’s versatility.

Hachimura and the 2031 pick are valuable, but the Lakers’ front office might see this as a necessary sacrifice to maximize their title odds.

The Warriors, on the other hand, would face an emotional challenge in parting with Green, a cornerstone of their dynasty. Yet, at a certain point, the organization needs to plan for the future. 

MORE: Jonathan Kuminga video has Warriors fans convinced a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade is coming

Knecht represents a high-upside wing who could develop into a key piece, while the 2031 first-round pick—potentially a high one given the Lakers’ aging core—adds long-term value. 

Hachimura would provide immediate depth as a an athletic forward who can guards 3s and 4s, something Golden State might need if they see Jonathan Kuminga leave in free agency.

While losing Green’s tenacity would sting, this trade could set the Warriors up for a smoother transition into the post-Curry era.

On the other hand, this particular Draymond trade probably isn’t a beefy enough return for the Warriors to consider, but they should at least not rule out dealing Dray this summer if and when a better offer comes along.

Green would be heartbroken to have to trade in his Warriors uniform and go somewhere else, but his positive relationship with LeBron has been well-documented.

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Colin Keane

Colin Keane is a contributing journalist for The Sporting News. Born in Illinois, Colin grew up in Massachusetts as the third of four brothers. For his high school education, Colin attended St. Mark's School (Southborough, MA), where he played basketball and soccer and served as student body president. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Villanova University. Colin currently resides in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.