Draymond Green’s immediate reaction to the Kristaps Porzingis trade
The Golden State Warriors just flipped the script on his season, and while fans are still processing departure of the franchise pillar, Draymond Green he’s already looking at championship rings.
Ahead of the trade deadline, the Warriors wrapped up a massive acquisition deal Kristaps Porzingis from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Jonathan Cummings and Buddy Hield. Movement signifies end of the “Kumming Era” at bay, but for Green it represents a tactical masterstroke.
Speaking to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Green didn’t hold back his excitement about the 7-foot-2 big man who joined the squad. “I like it. Add more size, more rim protection, more shooting,” Green said. “He was the missing piece at the Boston Championship.”
It’s high praise from the veteran striker, who knows a thing or two about what it takes to win a title. The pairing is a basketball nerd’s dream: Green serves as a defensive “nomad” and primary playmaker, while Porzingis provides elite rim protection and spacing that the Warriors have lacked since 2022.
The trade came at a chaotic time for the organization. Green himself is allegedly involved in trade discussions for Giannis Antetokounmpo before the Warriors turned to the Latvian “Unicorn.” Despite the trade rumors, Green remains a warrior and seems re-energized by the front office’s all-in move.
Even without Porzingis or the sidelined Stephen Curry, the shorthanded Warriors showed plenty of heart Thursday night. They erased a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter to stun the Phoenix Suns 101-97. Pat Spencer led the way with a career-high 20 points, while Guy Santos added 18 points, including a clutch game in the final minute. The Suns were led by Dillon Brooks, who finished with 24 points, but couldn’t prevent a late-game collapse.
Porzingis is currently averaging 17.1 points and 5.1 rebounds this season. Although he has not played since January 7 due to illness, the Warriors expect him to make his debut soon. If Green is right about him being the “missing piece,” the Western Conference just got a whole lot more dangerous.
2026-02-06 06:16:00
