LeBron James and the Golden State Warriors. For a long time, this was the biggest rivalry in the NBA. On an annual basis, James’ Cleveland Cavaliers would meet the Warriors in the NBA Finals.
Eventually, James would leave the Cavaliers. Now, he’s a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. Since landing in the Western Conference, James and the Warriors haven’t been meeting in the playoffs very much. It doesn’t look like that will change in 2023-24, either.
As it stands, neither team is slated to make the playoffs. Therefore, either of these win-now squads could be a candidate to make a major trade. Could they make one with each other that sends Draymond Green to the Lakers?
The Trade Proposal
Golden State Warriors receive: G/F Austin Reaves, G Gabe Vincent, F/C Christian Wood
Los Angeles Lakers receive: F/C Draymond Green, G/F Moses Moody
The league certainly looks different now than it did just a few years ago. A few years ago, the Golden State Warriors were a dynasty. The only team in the Western Conference to give them any trouble was the Houston Rockets. Otherwise, the Warriors were essentially guaranteed a spot in the Finals.
So was LeBron James. His dominance over an entire Conference was unique. James made the Finals on an annual basis with the Miami Heat, and then, he started doing the same with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Today, there’s more parity around the league. We haven’t seen a team repeat as champions in some time. With that in mind, teams like these two who are on the playoff bubble can still maintain some title odds. Does this deal help the Warriors win another one?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
The league has changed. So have the Warriors. This team is aging. Meanwhile, Klay Thompson has been hit especially hard by time. This is not the player who was one-half of the Splash Brothers for so many years.
Reaves would be a suitable replacement. Sure, he’s not prime Thompson. Reaves is a less reliable floor spacer and a less reliable defender. Still, he’s solid in both of those areas – and in all likelihood, a more effective shot-creator than Thompson ever was.
Meanwhile, the Warriors may have reached the end of their rope with Green. He’s serving an indefinite suspension, and this isn’t the first time he’s landed in hot water. Should the Lakers be interested in him?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
Getting traded from the only organization he’s ever known could be a wake-up call for Green. If so, this deal will look good for the Lakers. Even at his advanced age, Green is likely the best player in this trade.
Sure, his athleticism has waned. Green is still one of the most intelligent defenders we’ve ever seen in this league. Moreover, he’s shooting quite well from long-range this year. Green should make the Lakers a better team.
Meanwhile, the Lakers are landing Moody to offset the age gap between Reaves and Green. He’s an exciting young player who can do a little bit of everything. If he finds his stride with the Lakers, who knows? James may get a chance to reignite his rivalry with the Warriors.
