The Golden State Warriors walk into the 2025-26 NBA season with both intrigue and real questions surrounding the team. Seth Curry joined the roster to reunite with his brother Stephen. Jonathan Kuminga signed a new two-year deal, but doubts about his long-term role still linger.
The front office brought in Al Horford to add leadership and steadiness, yet his health remains a question. De’Anthony Melton continues to rehab an ACL tear and will miss the season’s start, while Stephen Curry, fresh off a hamstring strain, has only recently resumed light workouts.
Last season, Golden State surged late after trading for Jimmy Butler, who teamed up with Curry to spark a run to the Western Conference Semifinals. Even so, the Warriors lean heavily on Curry and Butler, leaving the franchise to wonder whether it’s time to consider moving one of their longest-tenured stars.
Draymond Green to the Lakers: Potential Trade Idea
Lakers Receive: Draymond Green, 2026 first-round pick
Warriors Receive: Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent
This move would significantly alter the direction of both franchises. For Golden State, it brings scoring and backcourt depth. For Los Angeles, it adds defensive toughness and veteran leadership.
What Austin Reaves and Gabe Vincent Bring to the Warriors
Austin Reaves followed up his breakout year with the Lakers by averaging 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds on efficient shooting splits of 46 percent from the field and 37.7 percent from three. He showed he can handle the ball, create plays, and shift his role to fit alongside star teammates. While he still struggles at times defending quicker guards and bigger wings, his offensive versatility gives him real value. At 27, Reaves offers Golden State a long-term option, and his current salary keeps him affordable. The wrinkle is his uncertain future, which could force contract talks.
Gabe Vincent brings depth and defensive edge. He put up 6.4 points last season while shooting 35.3 percent from three. His strengths come from energy, on-ball pressure, and a knack for drawing charges. Though his scoring wavers, he fits the mold of a rotational guard who could thrive in Golden State if he regains consistency with his shot. Adding Reaves and Vincent would give the Warriors a younger, more dynamic guard mix while opening up future cap flexibility.
What Draymond Green Brings to the Lakers
Draymond Green doesn’t score much these days, but he still shapes the game every night. In the 2024-25 season, he put up 9.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists, anchoring the defense and driving the offense as a playmaker. His jumper has slipped, but he continues to lock down multiple positions and direct defenses at an elite level.
His leadership, sharp basketball mind, and constant communication keep him among the best defenders of his generation. If the Lakers paired him with LeBron James, they’d add another veteran with a high IQ who thrives at creating opportunities and lifting teammates. With Green, the Lakers’ defense would get an instant upgrade. On offense, his passing and vision would free up LeBron and Luka Doncic, improving both spacing and ball movement.
Varying Perspectives
The Lakers make a clear win-now move with this trade. By bringing in Draymond Green and moving on from Reaves, they place championship contention above long-term development. Green’s defensive versatility and championship pedigree could be the piece that helps maximize James’s remaining years.
For the Warriors, this trade signals the start of a transition. Moving Draymond, the emotional anchor of their dynasty, would be tough, but adding Reaves and Vincent fits their need for younger talent.
Reaves brings secondary scoring and playmaking to ease the load on Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler. Vincent adds reliable defense and depth. Alongside Jonathan Kuminga’s growth, these pieces give Golden State a chance to retool while staying competitive. Financially, the move also frees up flexibility compared to Draymond’s contract, which positions the Warriors better as they shape the next phase of their roster.
Overall Thoughts
The reasoning is straightforward. The Lakers aim to squeeze everything out of LeBron’s championship window, and Draymond Green complements their stars perfectly. The Warriors, on the other hand, need to prepare for life after their core fades, and Reaves and Vincent can serve as building blocks for that future.
If both franchises stay committed to their goals, this deal checks out for each side.
