Golden State Warriors governor Joe Lacob made it crystal clear on February 20, 2026: the organization never shopped franchise cornerstone Draymond Green in pursuit of Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo — or anyone else — ahead of the February 5 trade deadline. Speaking exclusively to Tim Kawakami of The San Francisco Standard, Lacob backed general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr.’s previous denials and delivered one of the most definitive statements on team loyalty in recent NBA history.
“He was never discussed in a trade; Mike was 100% correct what he said,” Lacob stated. “I know he got a lot of crap for that. And it did look defensive… But I can tell you he was never shopped in any way. He’s a core person in our franchise. You don’t trade a Draymond Green simply or easily. You do it if you have to, and you’re getting tremendous value and you’re improving your team. Even Draymond has said he understands that… But his name was never specifically discussed with another team. And that’s the truth.”
This direct rebuttal comes after multiple pre-deadline reports suggested the Warriors had floated Green as part of aggressive packages aimed at landing the two-time MVP. With the deadline now closed and no Giannis deal completed, Lacob’s comments effectively close the book on those specific rumors while sending a broader signal about how the Warriors plan to operate in the 2026 offseason and beyond.
Why Lacob’s Statement Matters in the Current Trade Landscape
The NBA trade rumor mill rarely slows down, and the Warriors’ name has been linked to every major star available since the 2024–25 season. Lacob’s insistence that Green was “never shopped” serves multiple purposes:
- It protects the front office’s credibility after Dunleavy faced heavy criticism for earlier denials.
- It reassures the locker room — and especially veteran leaders like Steph Curry and Klay Thompson (in his final year) — that the organization values continuity.
- It resets expectations for fans and rival executives ahead of the 2026 summer window, when cap space, draft picks, and expiring contracts will create new opportunities.
For a franchise that has won four titles since 2015 largely because of its “Strength in Numbers” and defensive identity anchored by Green, this stance feels consistent with the culture Joe Lacob and Peter Guber have built since buying the team in 2010.
What the Rumors Got Right — and Where They Missed
Pre-deadline reporting from credible outlets indicated the Warriors explored multiple star targets, including Giannis, as they looked to accelerate their contention window around Curry’s final prime years. Green’s expiring contract and defensive versatility made him a logical piece in hypothetical packages. However, Lacob’s February 20 interview confirms those discussions never reached the point of actually offering Green to Milwaukee or any other team.
This denial does not mean the Warriors are completely closed off from future moves. Lacob explicitly left room for “if you have to” scenarios where “tremendous value” is available. In NBA terms, that usually means unprotected first-round picks, young high-upside talent, or salary relief that improves the roster long-term.
Potential Offseason Scenarios for the Warriors (2026)
| Scenario | Likelihood | Key Pieces Involved | Potential Outcome for Golden State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stand Pat on Core | High | Minimal changes | Focus on internal growth and Kuminga development |
| Small Salary-Matching Deals | Medium | Role players + picks | Add depth without touching Green/Curry |
| Aggressive Star Pursuit (non-Giannis) | Low-Medium | Green + multiple picks (only if “must”) | Major roster overhaul if value is overwhelming |
| Giannis Re-Engagement in Summer | Very Low | Not involving Green per Lacob | Cap-space facilitation role only |
International Fan Perspective and Global Legacy
For basketball fans outside the United States — particularly in Asia, Europe, and the Philippines where the Warriors have massive followings — Lacob’s comments reinforce the idea of franchise stability that made Golden State a global brand. Draymond Green’s defensive intensity and leadership have inspired countless international players and fans who value “winning basketball” over pure scoring.
The denial also keeps the broader Giannis trade conversation alive for other teams. With the Bucks facing their own decisions on contract extensions and roster construction, suitors like the Lakers (already linked to Giannis in separate reports) may now feel more urgency to act before the 2026 draft. For PBA fans who follow how imports and veteran anchors transform teams, the Warriors’ approach offers a lesson in balancing star power with cultural continuity.
What Comes Next for the Warriors and the NBA Rumor Mill
Lacob’s interview does not end trade speculation for the Warriors — it simply redirects it. With Steph Curry entering the final year of his current deal and Jonathan Kuminga emerging as a potential cornerstone, the front office will likely explore targeted additions rather than franchise-altering deals.
Meanwhile, the league-wide conversation around anti-tanking rules (another hot topic this week) could further limit how aggressively teams like Golden State can pursue stars via future-pick packages. If protections become stricter and lottery odds flatten, the value of trading a player like Draymond Green drops even further — making Lacob’s stance look even wiser in hindsight.
For Warriors fans and NBA observers worldwide, the message is clear: the core that built a dynasty is not for sale at any price unless the return is truly transformative. As the 2026 offseason approaches, expect the rumor mill to shift toward other teams while Golden State focuses on maximizing what they already have.
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What do you think — should the Warriors ever consider moving Draymond Green if a superstar like Giannis becomes available again, or is Lacob right to treat him as untouchable? Drop your predictions in the comments and subscribe for daily NBA trade rumor updates, 2026 mock drafts, and more.
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