Draymond Green's first podcast after free agency is full of revelations after the changes to the Warriors. He discussed the Warriors' pursuit of Paul George before he signed with the Philadelphia 76ers , revealing that George wanted to join Golden State but the Clippers refused to cooperate on a sign-and-trade.
“As you all know, Paul George was gonna come to the Warriors. We wanted Paul George to come to the Warriors. We always talk about these organizations and what they do for their players, and whatnot. For us to get Paul George, it would have taken a sign-and-trade, and the Clippers didn’t really want to play ball. Didn’t want to help him get to where he wanted to go, so in turn they got nothing back. They could've gotten something for Paul George walking, they get absolutely nothing back.”
Green did say he understood why the Clippers didn't want to send George to the Warriors with the two teams being divisional rivals and hoping to contend next season.
"These organizations don't really be playing ball, and I don't think the Clippers wanted to play ball for Paul George to get to the Warriors. I kind of understand it, I suppose, you don't want him in the same division as you because you know how that looks if he comes with us. So that didn't quite pan out for a switch. It would've been nice."
The Warriors failed to make the 2024 NBA Playoffs and have taken notable hits to start the offseason. Klay Thompson leaving to join the Mavericks by taking a discount instead of re-signing has been a major blow. The Warriors also couldn't find a trade for Chris Paul's $30 million contract before being forced to waive him, allowing him to walk to the San Antonio Spurs .
The failed pursuit of Paul George isn't a deal-breaker for the Warriors, but avenues of improving their team back into contention are slim at the moment. If they can somehow pull off the chase for Lauri Markkanen , the Warriors would be right back in the mix to chase a title.
Draymond Green Shared An Emotional Goodbye For Klay Thompson
The primary reason people wanted a new episode of Draymond's podcast was to see how he reacts to Klay Thompson's departure from the Warriors. Green got emotional while discussing his long-time teammate choosing to leave for new pastures.
"I don't really know how I feel about it. Klay told us last week and we were just kinda talking through the years, he was talking about all we've done and how 'you and Steph are my brothers forever...' The relationships, they are what they are, they are forever. The connection, the bond, even as far as all of us being mentioned together. That is forever. I just haven't really been able to process the feelings. Earlier today, I think I might have dropped a couple of tears or two."
Thompson signed a three-year, $50 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks in a sign-and-trade which saw them receive second-round picks as the Mavs sent Josh Green to the Charlotte Hornets.
Green and Klay have been teammates since 2012, winning four titles together and forming the core trio alongside Stephen Curry . Klay's departure solidifies the end of the Warriors dynasty, firmly continuing the new era of parity in the NBA.
Related: Warriors Resisted Including Jonathan Kuminga In Paul George Trade Offers
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