Power forward Draymond Green addressed concerns from fans about the team potentially bringing Curry back just days before the play-in tournament. “There’s a lot of fear growing that Steph Curry might not have enough runway for the play-in game… I don’t think Steph’s getting shut down for the season… If Steph is capable of playing, he’s gonna play,” said Green, per The Draymond Green Show on X.

The Warriors had been trying and failing to weather the storm with Curry sidelined due to injury, falling to four games below .500 after a recent loss against the San Antonio Spurs. The positive news was that Curry was expected to return to the lineup that weekend when the Warriors took the floor against the Houston Rockets.

Difficult moments for the Warriors

The Warriors need to climb at least a few spots to improve their play-in positioning. They are likely to win two straight elimination games to secure a playoff matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, which is far from ideal for a 38-year-old Curry who had not played in two months while recovering from a knee issue.

However, as Green pointed out, the team would not have brought Curry back or risked his long-term health unless they had felt he was ready to play.

The Warriors sat in tenth place in the Western Conference and are projected to face the Portland Trail Blazers on the road in the play-in if the standings hold. In the meantime, they are set to return to action Thursday night in a challenging home game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

What did Curry say about his return?

Curry had provided updates on his condition, and there was significant attention surrounding his timeline. He made it clear that nothing was certain and that he did not know how his knee would respond, suggesting he was not fully ready.

“It felt great. I’m checking the boxes,” Curry told reporters after the session. “But with this, it’s always unpredictable. I don’t know how the knee will respond because it hasn’t responded well in past attempts to get to this 5 on 5 level.” Curry had been sidelined for two months, dealing with a setback in a season marked by injuries.

“I hated it… and I absolutely loved it,” Green said of Wembanyama’s public MVP pitch. “I hated it because a player of that caliber should never have to vocalize his own case just to get the media to open their eyes. Until he said it, nobody in the mainstream was factoring in that he is literally defending entire teams by himself.”

Green noted that while he resented the necessity of the statement, he admired the Frenchman’s boldness in calling out the pundits. “He basically told the world, ‘If you’re not looking at what I’m doing on defense, you’re not watching the game,’“ Warriors‘ star added.

Wembanyama has centered his MVP campaign on his defensive dominance, arguing that the game is 50% defense, a philosophy he has backed up with historic rim protection throughout the regular season.

League elites take notice

Green isn’t the only heavyweight Weighing in on “Wemby-mania.” Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic offered a daunting premonition about the San Antonio Spurs’ phenom.

“He is changing basketball,” Jokic admitted. “I’m glad that I’ll probably retire before Wemby holds the entire league in a chokehold.”

Meanwhile, former NBA player Rashad McCants took it a step further, planting his flag firmly in the rookie’s camp. “Wembanyama is the CLEAR MVP over Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander],” McCants stated, echoing the growing sentiment that Wembanyama’s two-way impact outweighs traditional scoring-first candidates.

A historic defensive stretch for Wemby

Wembanyama isn’t just talking the talk; he’s erasing shots at a record-shattering pace. Over his last 10 outings, the Spurs’ center is averaging a staggering 26.5 PPG, 11.2 RPG, and 3.7 BPG.

His most recent masterclass came on March 25 against Memphis, where he stuffed the stat sheet with 19 points, 15 rebounds, 7 blocks, and 3 steals in a 98–85 San Antonio victory.

“Wemby is this otherworldly thing, man. Like, I’m not even going to say otherworldly person, he is just this otherworldly thing, and everything that he does is going to take you like four people to do. Like, he is that special of a player. I think if he keeps this up, it’s going to be him who has to go snatch the MVP award.”

“Wemby’s been incredible, man. He does it on both ends of the floor. Talking about, ‘Is Wemby the best two-way player in the league?’ No, he’s not. He’s something else. Putting him in a category with everybody else, it just ain’t… He’s something else, we’re just gonna put it that way. He’s different from every player.” Green said.

Why Wembanyama stands out as a two-way player

The Warriors forward is not usually quick to praise young stars around the league, which makes his comments about Wembanyama even more notable. His production supports the praise, as the Spurs star is averaging 24.2 points, 11.1 rebounds and 3.0 blocks this season.

Thanks to his height and growing strength, he already dominates the paint, yet he is also a skilled shooter who averages 5.3 three-point attempts per game. His combination of size and versatility has made him one of the most remarkable talents the NBA has seen, and he has played at a Defensive Player of the Year level since his rookie season.

Beyond the numbers, Wembanyama has been viewed as a generational talent, a towering presence with the ball skills of a guard, impressive shooting ability and a style that is not limited by his height. That combination has helped place the Spurs among the teams to watch as they continue building toward future title contention.

The strong support around Wembanyama

Wembanyama has also been complemented by a strong supporting cast with room to grow. DeAaron Fox has provided energetic two-way play at point guard and is averaging 19.1 points and 6.4 assists, while Stephon Castle has quickly entered the conversation as one of the most promising two-way players in the league, averaging 16.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists this NBA season.

The deal also shifted attention away from Green, who had been mentioned frequently in discussions surrounding a potential pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Still, Green addressed the Porzingis trade following Golden State’s 101–97 comeback win over the Phoenix Suns at the Footprint Center on Thursday night.

Speaking with reporters, via NBC Sports Bay Area & California, the veteran forward made his feelings clear about the addition. “I like it, adding more size, more rim protection, more shooting. Porzingis, you switch guards on him, he really punishes them. He was the missing piece to a Boston championship,” Green said.

From a basketball standpoint, the trade fits the Warriors’ structure well. Green continues to anchor the defense and facilitate ball movement on offense, while Porzingis adds rim protection and floor spacing, which the team has not consistently had since its 2022 NBA championship run.

The qualities that will elevate the team

Green also explained how playing alongside another true rim protector could enhance his own defensive impact. That element could prove crucial for the Warriors, especially with the need for stability in the frontcourt alongside veterans like Al Horford and depth options such as Quentin Post.

“For me personally, I love when there’s another rim protector on the floor. It unlocks everything I can do defensively. If you just take off, you break the scheme. With another rim protector, you can take those chances,” Green said.

Still, the biggest question surrounding Porzingis remains his health. He has played in just 17 games this season and has not appeared since January 7, a reality that weighs heavily when projecting his long-term impact with the Golden State Warriors.

Porzingis’ numbers

Before being sidelined, Porzingis averaged 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 0.5 steals per game. His ability to stretch the floor forces defenders out of the paint and could open valuable space for Stephen Curry and the Warriors’ perimeter attack.

The Greek Freak has previously expressed his desire to play for a legitimate contender, and with the Milwaukee Bucks currently struggling at 18–28, a split seems increasingly possible. While several franchises are monitoring the situation, the Warriors are considered frontrunners in a deal that would likely require Green’s $25.8 million contract to satisfy NBA trade rules.

However, the 35-year-old forward insists he is not losing sleep over the possibility of leaving the Bay Area. “I’ve been here for 14 years,” Green said following the Warriors’ loss to the Pistons on Friday night. “I have no reason to sit and worry about leaving. But if I’m traded, that’s part of the business. I ain’t losing no sleep, though. I slept great last night”.

Green further emphasized that should a trade become a reality, he remains a professional willing to assist the organization in its transition. “I’m not going to go up there and be like, ‘Yo, so tell me what y’all doing.’ I’ll be the same as I always am. My phone is always on. I’m always willing to collaborate in any way I can,” Green added.

Warriors unlikely to move injured Jimmy Butler

With the February 5 trade deadline approaching, nearly every player on the roster—with the notable exception of Stephen Curry—is viewed as potentially available in a pursuit of Antetokounmpo. However, financial logistics remain the biggest hurdle.

To match Antetokounmpo’s $54.1 million salary, the Warriors would theoretically need to move either Green or Jimmy Butler, who also earns $54.1 million this season. Despite the financial fit, NBA insider Marc Stein reports that the Warriors’ front office are unlikely to trade Butler following his season-ending ACL tear on January 19.

This leaves Green as the primary veteran candidate for a potential blockbuster. However, league sources suggest that the Bucks would require a substantial package beyond the four-time champion—likely including Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody or Buddy Hield, and multiple first-round picks—to finalize a deal of this magnitude.

According to Clutch Points‘ Kenzo Fukuda, Green might be a key piece in a trade deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, aimed at acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo for the rest of the regular season.

The proposed trade features significant assets exchanged between the Warriors and the Bucks:

• Warriors would receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis, and Gary Trent Jr.
• Bucks would receive: Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, along with the Warriors’ 2026, 2028, 2030 first-round picks, and a 2032 first-round swap.

In addition to this proposal, rumors have implicated Stephen Curry’s teammate in a separate trade scenario for Antetokounmpo, as the NBA trade deadline approaches and uncertainty surrounding the Greek Freak’s future intensifies.

Potential landing spots for Antetokounmpo

Beyond the Warriors’ rumored interest, other teams are reportedly vying for Antetokounmpo’s talents in the NBA. Of course with a player of his caliber, there are multiple rumors regarding the future for the Bucks’ star.

Henry Abbott of Hoops Hype reports that Antetokounmpo has a preferred list of destinations, which includes the Miami Heat, New York Knicks, and Minnesota Timberwolves.

Additionally, the Brooklyn Nets, Toronto Raptors, and Atlanta Hawks have emerged as potential suitors. These teams are preparing to make their moves, leaving the decision to Antetokounmpo to select the ideal fit for his career moving forward.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said after Sunday’s win that he is hopeful Curry can suit up for the second night of the back-to-back. However, Curry is officially listed as out due to right patellofemoral inflammation, an issue that surfaced earlier this week and continues to be monitored closely by the medical staff.

Draymond Green is also listed as out with a back issue. As part of a season-long workload management plan, Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton are ruled out for the second game of the back-to-back, removing important rotation pieces at a time when Golden State has been gaining momentum.

Jonathan Kuminga remains sidelined with a bone bruise, while Seth Curry is set to miss his 25th consecutive game due to sciatica. The situation is further complicated by Jimmy Butler’s NBA season-ending ACL injury, which has already forced the Warriors to rely heavily on their depth.

Stephen Curry’s recent performance vs Minnesota

Curry has appeared in several back-to-back situations this season and logged just 27 minutes and 38 seconds in Sunday’s blowout win, which could work in Golden State’s favor. The Warriors need every possible victory in the Western Conference playoff race, especially with Butler unavailable for the remainder of the season.

After posting 26 points, two rebounds, seven assists, and four steals against Minnesota on Sunday, Curry would provide a significant boost if he plays. The matchup also carries emotional weight, as the Timberwolves eliminated Golden State from last season’s playoffs following Curry’s injury in that series.

A potentially limited Warriors roster

If Curry and Green are both unavailable, the Warriors’ projected roster would include Brandin Podziemski, Pat Spencer, and LJ Cryer at guard, Buddy Hield and Gary Payton II on the wing, Moses Moody and Gui Santos at forward, and Quinten Post alongside Trayce Jackson-Davis at center, with two-way forward Malevy Leons also available.

The lack of size and depth at the forward positions would be noticeable, but Golden State has shown resilience when short-handed. While a loss would be understandable under these circumstances, the Warriors have consistently competed with energy and discipline, even when key contributors are missing.

Butler is listed as probable with low back soreness after missing the previous game. Green, who was sidelined in the loss to the Miami Heat due to illness, is also probable for Friday’s in-season tournament matchup. Barring setbacks, both veteran stars are expected to return to the starting lineup alongside Stephen Curry as the Warriors finally head back home following a grueling six-game road trip.

In addition to Butler and Green, the Warriors have another player on the injury report. Buddy Hield is listed as probable with an illness after playing against Miami. He finished that game with 18 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals, shooting 7-of-20 from the field and 4-of-15 from three.

On the other side of the availability spectrum, the Warriors have officially ruled out Jonathan Kuminga due to bilateral knee tendonitis. The young forward has struggled to find rhythm after a strong start to the season, and an enforced rest may be exactly what he needs to reset and regain form.

How the Warriors enter the matchup

Golden State closed its six-game road trip with a 3–3 record. Stephen Curry carried a heavy offensive load throughout the trip, averaging 29.8 points per game, while Jimmy Butler averaged 22.4 during his time on the floor. At 9–8, the Warriors sit eighth in the Western Conference and remain in the thick of a crowded early-season playoff picture.

They arrive at this game after a tough loss to the Miami Heat — a Heat team that played without its top star, Tyler Herro, who has missed most of the NBA season due to injury. Still, Miami leaned on Norman Powell and Bam Adebayo, both of whom have been playing at an elite level and keeping the franchise afloat.

The Warriors fell despite deploying a lineup without any of their marquee names. With no Butler, no Green, no Curry, and no Al Horford, Golden State relied on Brandin Podziemski, who delivered 20 points and eight rebounds. Buddy Hield added 18 points, rookie Quinten Post scored 19, and Pat Spencer nearly posted a triple-double with 11 points, eight rebounds, and 13 assists while running the offense.

According to the latest official NBA injury report, the Warriors have ruled out Draymond Green (illness) for tonight’s matchup in Miami. It is a significant loss for the Warriors, who will already be without Stephen Curry in the duel against the Heat.

The former Defensive Player of the Year had only missed one of the 16 games the Warriors have played this season and is a key piece in Steve Kerr’s system. Green is averaging 7.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists so far this season, serving as the defensive anchor for the Warriors.

Green recently made franchise history after the 121-113 loss to the Magic. The four-time NBA champion finished the game recording 12 points, six rebounds, six assists, and two blocks, which allowed him to reach 900 career blocks and become second on the Warriors’ all-time list, behind Adonal Foyle’s 1,140.

Warriors arrive in Miami short-handed

Green’s name is not the only one on the Warriors’ injury report. In addition to him, Buddy Hield (illness) is also listed as questionable, along with Jimmy Butler (right low back strain), who has been also ruled out to face his former team again.

The injury news doesn’t stop there for Golden State. Stephen Curry (right ankle soreness) is joined on the sideline in Miami by other key players, as Jonathan Kuminga (bilateral knee patellar tendonitis) and Al Horford (left toe injury management) have already been ruled out.

The good news for the Warriors is that the Heat also have their own roster issues due to injuries. Tyler Herro remains out recovering from ankle surgery, and Bam Adebayo’s availability remains uncertain for this contest after he missed the last six games for Miami due to a toe injury.

After the game, Green addressed the media concerning the incident with the fan. “He just kept calling me a woman,” Green explained to reporters. “It was a good joke at first, but he can’t keep calling me a woman.”

Initially, Green perceived the comment as a joke, but it quickly lost its humor. As the fan’s remarks intensified, the situation escalated slightly, prompting Green to confront him about the repeated comments.

“He was talking a lot at first, but when I got closer, he didn’t say much,” Green reflected on the encounter. Fortunately, the situation defused as the fan chose to refrain from further comments.

What was the fan saying to Green?

According to Green, the fan was comparing him to Angel Reese, a player in the WNBA, noting his lack of shot attempts despite collecting several rebounds. While Green didn’t initially find the comment insulting, he reiterated that repeatedly being called a woman shouldn’t be considered an insult either.

A report claimed that the fan disclosed his exchange with Green, suggesting that Green’s words were not appropriate. If the situation escalates, the Warriors star could face repercussions despite his attempts to manage the issue in the media.

Despite the incident with the fan, Green and the Warriors were pleased with their victory over the Pelicans, an encouraging sign for the challenges that lie ahead in the regular season.

The Mavericks have used Flagg, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, as their primary point guard — a move Green believes may not be the best fit. Speaking on The Draymond Green Show, the four-time NBA champion questioned whether Dallas is setting its young star up for unnecessary struggles.

“It’s hard to play in this league when you don’t have a point guard,” Green said. “They’re trying Cooper at point guard, which I understand. You’re allowing him to play with the ball in his hands. He won’t ultimately be a point guard, but you may believe that that can help his development.”

Green added that Flagg still doesn’t fully grasp how teammates like Klay Thompson can complement his game and remains unsure of how to involve Anthony Davis in the offense. While such challenges are normal for a rookie, Green wonders if the Mavericks are risking a repeat of the mistake the Philadelphia 76ers made when they forced Ben Simmons into a similar role early in his career.

Green’s expectations for Flagg

Despite the Mavericks’ poor start, Green made it clear that Flagg isn’t to blame. The rookie has been placed in a difficult situation — playing out of position, surrounded by veterans who demand touches, and carrying a heavy workload for a struggling team.

“I think Cooper Flagg’s going to be incredible,” Green said. “We’re asking a rookie who’s not a point guard to be a great point guard. And that’s just not how this works. You’ve got to be careful — it’s not his real position.

“You ask yourself the question,” Green continued. “If Ben Simmons had been allowed to be a power forward who handled the ball instead of being forced to run the offense, would his career have turned out differently? The last thing you want is for him to lose confidence trying to play point guard because once you lose your confidence in this league, it’s nearly impossible to get it back.”

The difference between Simmons and Flagg

To be fair, it’s still early to draw firm comparisons between Flagg and Simmons. The former No. 1 pick’s decline came amid multiple back injuries, and he is currently out of the league. Simmons averaged just 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game for the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2024-25 season — his last in the NBA to date.

Things are unlikely to get that bleak for Flagg, but the early returns from the point guard experiment have been far from ideal. Through his first stretch of games, the rookie is averaging 13.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.6 blocks per contest while shooting 40.3% from the field and 27.0% from beyond the arc.