Mavs & Warriors Trade Idea: Could Draymond Green Be Leader Dallas Needs?

With defense being one of Dallas' top priorities this summer, could the Mavericks target Warriors' Draymond Green?

After missing the postseason, the Dallas Mavericks need a major overhaul of their roster this offseason. Dallas' summer should start with attempting to re-sign Kyrie Irving and then looking to build out a roster with respectable defenders and consistent rebounding, which are two of the Mavericks' biggest flaws. 

One name that could be available this offseason is Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green. Green, who has a $27.6 million player option for the 2023-24 season, can opt out to become an unrestricted free agent, or Dallas could look to trade for the four-time NBA champion either with an opt-in and trade or an out-out and sign-and-trade.

Green hasn't been shy of sharing his admiration for the play of Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic over the years. In a recent episode of his podcast, The Draymond Green Show, Green placed Doncic in elite company when talking about players in today's game that can 'control a game'.

"There are not many guys in the league right now that can control a game like that. You’re talking Steph Curry, LeBron James… Luka that really controls the entire pace of a game, everything that happens. It is so incredibly hard to do that."

NBA Insider Marc Stein spoke about Green's upcoming decision on 97.1 The Freak on Saturday, discussing the possibility Dallas getting involved, but was skeptical on the Mavericks' assets to acquire Green via sign-and-trade, unless Kyrie Irving ends up being involved.

Green told Stein on his podcast, #thisleague UNCUT, that if he had his choice, he'd stay with the Warriors. But, the NBA is a business first, and Green knows that. So, if Green were to be in play for the Mavericks this summer, how could Dallas get it done?

If Green declines his player option to become a free agent, the Mavericks would have an almost impossible task of creating cap space, which turns the only avenue to a sign-and-trade. But as Stein referenced, do the Mavericks have assets to Golden State's liking? 

For starters, the Mavs could offer two 3-and-D veterans in Reggie Bullock and Maxi Kleber, and likely a draft pick compensation, in return for Green. Bullock and Kleber would fit well within what Golden State does, but that likely wouldn't meet the Warriors' asking price.

But, if successful, adding Green would do wonders for Dallas on both ends. On offense, having another playmaker that can create for Doncic and Kyrie Irving just as he does for Steph Curry and Klay Thompson is intriguing and would raise the Mavs’ currently-stagnant ceiling. On the defensive end, Green would offer a veteran voice and toughness as the anchor for Jason Kidd's defense that was missing this season. 

When it comes to leadership, Green has a very different way of leading, as his boisterous, aggressive personality could rub some teammates the wrong way — like when he punched Jordan Poole in practice before the season started — or it could uplift and motivate others if he can keep from crossing the line. How would Doncic respond to this kind of leadership coming from Green? It's the million dollar question. 

Green isn't afraid to voice the value he brings to the Warriors and what his potential value would be on the open market. For as many holes that need to be filled on the Mavs’ roster, would adding another near-max contract hinder Dallas' ability to build a true playoff-caliber team, let alone a championship contender?

The fate of Green's tenure in Golden State could be determined by how far the Warriors advance in the postseason. Stay tuned.

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