During the 2024 offseason, there were several trade rumors surrounding Draymond Green‘s Golden State Warriors. One of the rumors that would’ve improved the starpower of the Warriors was with the Utah Jazz. There were reports that the Warriors were interested in potentially acquiring All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen over the summer. Having him on the team would’ve given Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler another offensive star to lean on.
Markkanen was an All-Star in 2023 and has been one of the best offensive players in the NBA. He’s averaged 23 points on 38.1% shooting from beyond the arc since joining the Jazz. His ability to shoot from deep would’ve worked well with the Warriors, especially since head coach Steve Kerr prioritizes perimeter shooting.
However, the potential move was stopped by All-Star forward Green. According to Anthony Slater’s report, the four-time All-Star contacted controlling owner Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. to decline the Jazz offer. The trade proposal would’ve sent Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski and multiple first-round picks to Utah.
“[Draymond] Green even told [Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy] and controlling owner Joe Lacob [that summer] not to green-light a trade for Lauri Markkanen, considering the Utah Jazz were asking for all the draft picks and young players,” Slater wrote.
Draymond Green clarified the air and said that he had nothing against Markkanen. However, he doesn’t like the idea of trading away the Warriors’ entire young core and future draft picks.
“I’m a big fan of his game,” the four-time champion said. “But I think if you want to do something so huge, you better be certain that this is the move. You usually don’t win those things against Danny Ainge. I look at history.”
Draymond Green says Steve Kerr is learning how to coach Jonathan Kuminga
Steve Kerr opted for a unique starting lineup in the first game of the season. He had Curry, Podziemski, Butler and Green start the game with Kuminga. Over the past few seasons, Kerr has struggled to incorporate the young forward into any lineup.
But things are starting to change this season. According to Draymond Green, Kerr is starting to learn how to coach Kuminga and utilize him in his system.
“And I think he’s adjusted and learned this kid, year after year after year, and become more familiar with how to coach him,” Green said.
In the first game of the season, Kuminga had 17 points and nine rebounds in 33 minutes of action. He helped the Warriors secure a 119-109 win.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
