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By Jalon Dixon
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Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green didn’t hold back when addressing fans who have recently called for the franchise to move on from him. Appearing on the Unguarded podcast with Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet, Green candidly responded to the growing trade chatter that surrounded him ahead of the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline, including speculation that the Warriors could have moved him as part of a potential pursuit of Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
During the conversation, Green expressed gratitude toward fans who continue to support him while delivering a blunt message to those who believe his time in Golden State should be over.
“I see fans saying different s–t now, like Warriors fans [saying], ‘It’s time to get him out of here,’” Green said on the podcast. “To the real Warriors fans that don’t feel that way, thank you. I appreciate it.”
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“To the ones that do feel that way, you was a loser before I got here,” Green continued. “F-king stone-cold forever losers. So if you say that, it makes sense to me. You never been here. You don’t know how to appreciate something for its entirety because you’ve never been here. You’ve never had the opportunity to do that.”
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Dynasty Roots Still Shape the Debate
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Green’s comments were rooted in the broader history of the Warriors franchise before its modern dynasty began.
When Green arrived in Golden State as a second-round pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, the organization had reached the postseason only twice in the previous two decades and had won just one playoff series during that span. Over the next decade, however, the Warriors became the defining team of the modern NBA.
Alongside Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, Green helped lead Golden State to six NBA Finals appearances and four championships while anchoring one of the league’s most versatile defenses. Green made it clear during the podcast that he recognizes Curry as the franchise’s central figure but believes the dynasty would not have been possible without his own role in the core.
“Steph Curry is the man. There's not a person in this world that feels more strongly about that than I do,” Green said. “But Michael Jordan had Scottie Pippen. MJ had Dennis Rodman. I would never be a Steve Jobs. That's Steph Curry, but I can say this with pride, that thing doesn't get built without me.”
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Trade Rumors and an Uncertain Future
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Despite his place in franchise history, Green’s future in Golden State has become a frequent topic of discussion as the Warriors navigate the latter stages of their championship window.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Los Angeles Lakers and Green reportedly had mutual interest if he had been included in a potential trade package tied to Antetokounmpo discussions before the February deadline.
Now in his 14th NBA season, the 36-year-old forward is averaging 8.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game while continuing to serve as the emotional and defensive backbone of the Warriors.
Whether Green remains part of Golden State’s long-term plans remains uncertain. Especially with his pending $27 million player option looming this summer. But if his comments on Unguarded are any indication, he believes his role in building the Warriors dynasty is already cemented and not something critics should forget anytime soon.
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