During a recent livestream, Fischer talked about how the Warriors view Draymond Green when it comes to talks about trading for Giannis. He kept it super straightforward: the only player Golden State would even consider trading Draymond Green for is Giannis Antetokounmpo. No one else comes close.
Fischer said, “The only player I think in the league that Golden State would be willing to move Draymond Green for would be Giannis Antetokounmpo. That’s the only player. Between him and Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski, all of a sudden Golden State probably does have an intriguing package if you're Milwaukee. But I don't think that they are going to be pushing Draymond's salary onto the table, or Jimmy Butler’s salary, for anyone short of him.”
He’s also mentioned in Marc Stein’s newsletter that the Warriors haven’t been too keen on trading Green for just anyone, but Giannis changes everything. Giannis is so dominant and one of those rare players that forces teams to rethink their strategies.
So basically, if Giannis actually hits the trade market, Draymond Green’s spot on the team isn’t guaranteed anymore. Why? Well, simply put, just offering Kuminga, Podziemski, and some draft picks doesn’t get you Giannis.
Kuminga is having a decent season, averaging about 12 points, 6 rebounds, and a couple of assists, showing some promise as a two-way player but still not a star. Podziemski is a reliable guard with good shooting percentages and seems like a solid long-term player. Both are young and valuable but not the kind of game-changer you trade for a 31-year-old MVP candidate like Giannis, who’s putting up elite numbers on an excellent contract expected to last through the 2027-28 season.
Plus, the Bucks aren’t starting fresh. They are a decade-long organization built around Giannis. Last season, he averaged over 30 points, 12 rebounds, and more than 6 assists per game. So if Giannis wants out, the Bucks will want a huge package, think along the lines of what the Nets got for Kevin Durant or what the Jazz received for Donovan Mitchell. It’s not going to be just a package with young talents like Kuminga and Podziemski.
That’s why the Warriors’ real offer for Giannis would begin with Draymond Green, Kuminga, Podziemski, a couple of future first-round picks (2029 and 2031), plus some pick swaps in 2028 and 2032. Anything less than that, and the Bucks would probably say no.
From a value perspective, this kind of makes sense. Green still contributes on defense and playmaking, even though his shooting numbers have dropped. Kuminga and Podziemski add youth and potential, and those late first-round picks could be valuable if things don’t work out. The Warriors still have multiple draft picks and options despite already trading for Jimmy Butler this season.
But, is this a fair trade for Giannis? No way. But reality sets the bar pretty high, considering other teams like the Knicks and the Heat are reportedly ready to offer huge value in a possible deal.
Now, would the Warriors actually pull the trigger on this? That’s where things get tricky.
On paper, a Warriors team with Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Giannis looks insane. You get Curry’s shooting, Giannis’s brutal inside game and defense, and Butler as a tough, versatile defender. Draymond Green, who’s been a backbone of the Warriors' defense and leadership, would be the odd man out.
Green’s the heart and soul of the Warriors’ culture. He’s the one who organizes the defense, fires up teammates, and embodies that championship mindset. But at 35 with declining numbers and a hefty contract, the team has to seriously think about what’s best going forward.
Losing Green’s leadership might sting, but gaining a player like Giannis, who shoots over 60% next to Curry and can basically take over games, would be huge. The key question is emotional: can the Warriors give up the player who helped define their dynasty just to try to keep Curry’s title window open a little longer?
The front office has shown they're willing to be bold, already making a big move to get Jimmy Butler this season, and reportedly willing to trade Kuminga once he’s eligible. So if Giannis says he’s open to joining Golden State, the Warriors will surely explore putting together a package with Draymond Green at the center.
From Milwaukee’s side, this still feels like a long shot. If Giannis wants the Knicks or Heat, those teams can offer more, with buckets of draft picks and All-Star players to boot. So the Warriors’ offer, based around a 35-year-old Green, two promising but not franchise-defining young players, and late draft picks, might simply get outbid.
In the end, Fischer’s point is clear: the Warriors would only consider trading Draymond Green for Giannis Antetokounmpo. No one else is valuable enough to get Green out of San Francisco. But whether this actually happens depends on where Giannis wants to go, other teams’ offers, and how much the Warriors are willing to sacrifice emotionally.
If Giannis really puts the Warriors at the top of his list and the Bucks start listening, the Warriors could make a blockbuster trade that reshapes their future. Otherwise, the whole thing feels like an exciting "what-if" scenario rather than something unfolding any time soon.
If that deal does go down though, hanging onto Draymond Green out of loyalty instead of trading him for a once-in-a-generation star might be what ends the Curry era quietly, instead of going out with one last championship roar.