For a span of 12 years, acquiring four titles and overcoming numerous challenges both on and off the court, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson have confronted the contemporary sports scene head-on, steering it away in defeat.
In a landscape dominated by frequent trade demands, high-profile free-agent moves, and persistent holdouts, this exceptional trio has not only endured but prospered by upholding a single core value: loyalty. Their loyalty extends to the franchise, to the Bay Area, and most crucially, to each other.
Some argue that Green’s infamous chokehold incident on Rudy Gobert, leading to a five-game suspension in mid-November, stemmed from a place of unwavering allegiance. Green defended his actions, stating, “I don’t live my life with regrets. I’ll come to a teammate’s defense any time that I’m in a position to come to a teammate’s defense.” While a noble explanation, it doesn’t excuse an otherwise unacceptable act.
However, Green’s recent action—a forceful hit to the head of Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic, resulting in an indefinite suspension from the league—is pushing the boundaries of the loyalty he claims to uphold. It is reckless, performative, and, most importantly, dangerous.
Just under two months ago, former Warriors general manager Bob Myers was questioned about how he would handle James Harden’s persistent trade demand. The response was straightforward: consult the star player, follow his wishes. Myers, the NBA Executive of the Year for the 2016-17 season, emphasized that in making challenging decisions, particularly regarding Green’s disruptions, Curry’s opinion mattered most. Curry’s influence over the franchise’s direction was unequivocal.
So, why is Draymond Green still part of the Warriors after 19 ejections, an NBA Finals suspension that likely cost them a title, an organization-issued suspension for insults directed at then-teammate Durant, a punch to Jordan Poole’s face, and now, two more suspensions early in the 2023-24 season? The answer is simple: Steph Curry wants him there. That settles it.
Yet, with the Warriors struggling at 10-13 and the dynasty’s decline more palpable than ever, Green’s off-court antics and distractions may now outweigh his on-court value. If current GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. seeks Curry’s guidance on Green’s future with the team, what would be the response?
While trading Green, with three years and roughly $75 million left on his contract, presents challenges, his recent stellar performances make him a valuable asset for potential contenders. The final decision, however, would likely rest with Curry.
In response to Green’s latest incident, Curry, usually composed and thoughtful, sounded exasperated, emphasizing the need for genuine change before Green can be welcomed back onto the court. Despite expressing support, Curry hinted that a true transformation is necessary.
“We always told him you can’t change who you are as a player and the competitive spirit and you have, the physicality that you play with,” Curry said. “But you can’t give people — people reasons to leave, reasons to look at you a certain way and to have to go judge-and-jury every single incident that happens. So, this is tough because we need him out there and obviously the ejection changed the momentum or the emotions of the game.”
“That’s gonna be a challenge. We’re here to support him. We’re here to have confidence in him to be able to do that. And yeah, we obviously need him to win.”
In essence, the message is clear—it’s time for Green to change fundamentally before the team can consider his return to the basketball court.
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