Trae Young: Draymond Green punched Jordan Poole to go to Lakers
Perhaps the biggest topic of discussion around the NBA over the last few days has been the fight during a Golden State Warriors practice in which Draymond Green punched Jordan Poole.
Although Green was apologetic later, some are suggesting it could be the beginning of the end of Golden State’s dynasty, especially considering the contract situation of both men.
Green has a player option for next season, and he reportedly wants a max contract extension, while Poole’s rookie contract will expire at the end of this season.
Some believe if the Warriors can only keep Green or Poole, they should keep Poole.
In fact, Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young made a wild suggestion about why Green did what he did.
Via Lakers Daily:
“Atlanta Hawks star guard Trae Young believes that Draymond Green is trying to get to Los Angeles following the release of a video that shows him punching Jordan Poole in practice this week.”
Draymond is tryna get to LA.
Damn ! 😳— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) October 7, 2022
Quite frankly, this sounds like a conspiracy theory, but stranger things have happened.
Two ways Green could become a Laker
If the Warriors decide that not only do they not want to give Green the money he demands but that he’s that detrimental an influence on the team, they could decide to trade him this season, at least conceivably.
While on Zach Lowe’s podcast, Bill Simmons proposed a three-team trade that would send Green and Buddy Hield to L.A., Russell Westbrook and two of the Lakers’ future first-round draft picks to the Indiana Pacers and Myles Turner to the Warriors.
Indy gets 2027/2029 1sts from LA.
GSW saves tens of millions in 2023 luxury tax.
The trade machine approves! Call it in!!!!
(I’m on 7 days of bronchitis medication sorry) pic.twitter.com/QjypcTc085
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) October 6, 2022
The Lakers badly need viable depth at the power forward spot, and Green could provide it, while also giving them a high-level defender, another ball-handler/facilitator and someone with championship experience.
The first problem is Green is a poor 3-point shooter. The second is L.A. would have to give him a new contract (unless he opted in for next season), which would be very expensive.
Other than that, it could simply sign him in free agency next summer, although it would be hard for it to field a strong team around him, LeBron James and Anthony Davis afterward.
The Lakers reportedly want to have a max salary slot open so they can go after a big name in free agency after this season ends.
