"Superstars at 25 don't get traded"- Draymond Green recalls getting confused between Doncic trade and Warriors landing Kevin Durant
"Superstars at 25 don't get traded"- Draymond Green recalls getting confused between Doncic trade and Warriors landing Kevin Durant originally appeared on Basketball Network.
The Luka Doncic trade will certainly be a topic of discussion for years to come. A decision that shocked the entire NBA ecosystem, with the Dallas Mavericks shipping the Slovenian talent to the Los Angeles Lakers after a great seven-year association.
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Such was the magnitude of the trade that transpired on February 2nd, 2025, and everyone had a story to tell. However, Draymond Green's reaction was certainly a little amusing as the four-time champion narrated his episode on "Jimmy Kimmel Live."
Recounting the night of the trade announcement, Draymond revealed he was at a Warriors charity poker tournament. Ten minutes before the news broke out, the 2016 DPOY recalled talking with owner Joe Lacob, who told him about almost having Kevin Durant in the Bay Area.
"So we're at this tournament and I go sit down and about 15 minutes later, Steph yells, 'Draymond did you see the trade.' I go, 'It happened?' Steph goes, 'Wait, who?' and I said, 'Oh never mind, Nobody,"' revealed Draymond, who assumed Lacob had pulled off the Durant trade with the Phoenix Suns.
Nonetheless, learning about Luka's trade, the defensive savant said the following.
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"I couldn't believe it. Superstars at 25 don't get traded. Luka is a megastar. Just coming off the NBA Finals. You just don't see that in the NBA. I immediately wondered when I had to be next, it's coming for me soon," Dray told host Jimmy. The Warriors star was coming off a second round exit against the Timberwolves but had managed to make the 2025 NBA All-Defensive First Team.
Pursuing "The Slim Reaper"
Looking back to the 2024-25 trade deadline, the Warriors were keen on reuniting with Durant. During his three-year stint in the Bay Area, the 6'11" forward helped the franchise secure two championship banners, earning Finals MVP honors both times.
Hence, GSW's front office was trying to work out the best deal with the Suns. But, before things could be finalized, Durant had categorically disagreed with a homecoming in the Bay. The fifteen-time All-Star was done with his fair share of scrutiny.
As the deadline appeared closer, GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. and management found themselves in a lurch. Ultimately, they decided to go ahead with Jimmy Butler's gamble, which turned out to be a beneficial move for the most part.
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Related: Luc Longley on why he and Michael Jordan couldn't get along: "Mike was doing what he did to rookies, what he was doing to me"
Blockbuster trade on the cards for the Warriors?
With free agency not far away, there has been a lot of chatter around the Dubs making a strong push for a star player. Since winning their 2022 championship, Coach Steve Kerr and his crew have not had the desired success for various reasons.
Blessed to have a generational talent in Curry, the management cannot afford to let go of his championship window. Entering his 17th season, the two-time MVP has shown no signs of slowing down. Hence, given his invaluable contributions to the franchise and the city of San Francisco, the front office owes him a shot at his fifth title. Not to forget his legacy, known as the face that changed the game.
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Related: "What is this? Some Brazilian fake news?" - Goran Dragic revealed his initial reaction to the Luka Doncic trade
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
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