
🚨 WARRIORS GM MIKE DUNLEAVY SHUTS DOWN TRADE RUMORS ABOUT DRAYMOND GREEN AND JIMMY BUTLER 👇
In a candid press conference on Saturday, Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy addressed swirling rumors surrounding potential trades involving Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler III at the 2025-26 NBA trade deadline. With the Warriors dealing with the fallout of Butler’s season-ending ACL injury, which has drastically impacted their championship hopes, fans and media alike had speculated about the future of key players, particularly Green and Butler.
Dunleavy wasted no time clearing up the rumors, emphasizing that both players were never truly on the trade block. According to Joseph Dycus, a reporter covering the press conference, Dunleavy was firm in his denial of the possibility that Green or Butler were ever seriously considered for a trade.
Draymond Green’s Future with the Warriors: No Trade Discussions
The biggest buzz surrounded Draymond Green, whose name has often come up in trade rumors due to his pivotal role and leadership in the Warriors’ success over the years. Dunleavy addressed the speculation directly, clarifying that Green’s name had only come up in conversations with other teams inquiring about him, not as part of any real trade package.
“I’d walk that back,” Dunleavy stated firmly when asked about Green’s involvement in trade talks. “His name was not in conversations other than the ones where teams called me to ask about him. The idea that he stayed with the Warriors past the deadline was greatly exaggerated. It was never a possibility of him not being here or remotely close. I’ve conveyed that to him.”
This statement puts an end to rumors that the Warriors were looking to part ways with one of their core leaders, making it clear that Green remains central to the Warriors’ plans for the remainder of the season.
Jimmy Butler III: No Trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo
The other major topic was Jimmy Butler III, who had been linked to a potential trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks. With Butler out for the season and the Warriors facing a tough path forward, some had speculated that a blockbuster deal involving Butler could be in the works. Dunleavy quickly shut down that notion, saying, “No, no, no, we’re not doing that. I’m not going down the roster talking about who is in trades and who is not. We don’t do that.”
Dunleavy’s frustration was evident, as he dismissed the suggestion outright. He emphasized that the Warriors’ focus is on keeping their core intact and finding ways to succeed despite Butler’s absence. This clarification reinforces that Butler remains a key part of the Warriors’ future plans, even with his unfortunate injury.
Warriors’ Current State and Plans Moving Forward
Despite the rumors swirling around Green and Butler, the Warriors’ season continues with a 28-25 record, placing them in the eighth spot in the Western Conference standings. While they sit just above the Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers, they are trailing the Phoenix Suns and Minnesota Timberwolves. With a playoff spot on the line and Butler’s absence leaving a void, the Warriors are going to need the leadership of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green to galvanize the team and push for a strong finish to the season.
Looking ahead, the Warriors have a critical matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies on February 9, at home, where they’ll look to rebound from a tough stretch and regain their momentum for the second half of the season.
What Lies Ahead for the Warriors?
With the trade deadline behind them, the focus for Mike Dunleavy and the Warriors now shifts to internal adjustments and building chemistry. Even though the team has faced significant setbacks, including Butler’s injury, the franchise has an opportunity to adjust, relying on the experience and talent of their remaining core members. Curry and Green will need to step up as leaders, both on and off the court, to help push the Warriors back into playoff contention.
As the Warriors look to bounce back, their roster, for the most part, will remain unchanged, with the team moving forward without the specter of major trades looming over their heads. Whether the current group can make the necessary adjustments and rise above the challenges remains to be seen.