Bill Simmons feels this is the right time to trade Draymond: "We're not gonna be good for one year, and we'll make it up to you"
draymond-green
After 12 years together as a trio, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson are parting ways. The shooting guard's contract expires this offseason, and both parties are not interested in extending his stay in the Bay Area.
It is a heartbreaking development for longtime Golden State Warriors fans because this was the most successful trio of players over the past decade, with four championships together. Unfortunately, Klay is not returning as he and the team are working on a sign-and-trade.
Prominent NBA podcaster Bill Simmons believes the team should do the same for Steph and Draymond.
"Trade Draymond. Right now is the time. Gotta do it. You gotta rip the band-aid off and talk Steph into it. We have to explain it to him that we're not gonna be good for one year, and we'll make it up to you," Simmons said on his podcast.
The Warriors era is ending with unprecedented success
Despite the rough end to the Dubs' era with their trio, there is no shame about what happened with the squad. They were dominant during their time together, winning four championships and becoming an NBA dynasty. It is rare for three players to get drafted by a team and become the foundation for multiple championships.
Steph was the franchise cornerstone, but he would not be as successful if he played with other players. Klay provided the necessary perimeter defense and complementary shooting in the backcourt, while Draymond was the perfect pick-and-roll partner and the most versatile defender in the league.
They won the 2015 NBA championship, with all three playing vital roles. That started the Warriors era as they won two more titles in the next three years when Kevin Durant joined the team. The Dubs remained competitive in the years after, but KD leaving and Klay getting injured set the squad back for a bit.
However, the 2021/22 season showed the Warriors could stay competitive, even without KD. With their core of Steph, Klay, and Draymond, they won their fourth title together, beating the Boston Celtics in the Finals.
What the Warriors have planned for the offseason
Golden State felt they were close to getting Paul George in a sign-and-trade for a haul of Andrew Wiggins, Chris Paul, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and a draft pick. That would have been a massive deal for both teams, but PG and the Clippers decided to part ways, carving out his path to signing a four-year contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.
When the trade fell through, the Dubs waived CP3, opening up more money for signing free agents. With Klay and Chris departing, they will likely look for options to boost the team's backcourt. Moody might be an option to pair with him, but he needs more time to develop as a shooter and defender.
Simmons might suggest an all-in move for Curry, but Mike Dunleavy and the Warriors front office are committed to Steph and Draymond until they step away or retire from the sport.