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[Saba Sports News] Draymond Green reportedly came very close to leaving the Golden State Warriors a few seasons ago.
A new report from ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, Tim MacMahon, and Michael C. Wright details the circumstances behind the Memphis Grizzlies’ recent firing of head coach Taylor Jenkins—and reveals just how close Green was to joining Memphis in the summer of 2023.
Coming off a Western Conference semifinal loss to the Lakers, the Warriors faced major decisions. Green was reportedly serious about a sign-and-trade to the Grizzlies, even going so far as to inform Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Steve Kerr that a move was imminent.
Memphis had targeted Green as a replacement for Dillon Brooks, who left for the Houston Rockets. Despite the fiery playoff history between the Grizzlies and Warriors—especially their heated 2022 Western Semifinals—Memphis saw Green as the kind of tough, high-IQ leader who could help them contend.
Ultimately, Golden State retained Green with a four-year, $100 million deal, likely keeping him in the Bay for the remainder of his career.