LeBron James’s purported pursuit by the Golden State Warriors was one of the most important NBA trade deadline rumors. Moreover, Draymond Green stated during the truTV broadcast of the 2024 NBA All-Star game that “there were talks” regarding a possible contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Green acknowledged that the talk took place, but he did not start it. In addition, he disclosed to Charles Barkley and Taylor Rooks that he discussed the possible trade offer with Joe Lacob of the Golden State, informing him that he wouldn’t handle the James trade if Jonathan Kuminga was involved.
“If it’s [Jonathan] Kuminga, the answer is no,” Green stated during a phone conversation with Joe about what would have to be given up.
It’s an intriguing divergence from the original story and demonstrates how highly Green regards his teammate, who is 21 years old. Kuminga is improving significantly ahead of the All-Star break, averaging 15.5 points and 4.7 rebounds this season. He scored 20.6 points per game in January and is now averaging 18.9 points per game in February.
Although Kuminga may not be on Green’s radar right now, the two teams would have had a lively discussion if Los Angeles had made a hypothetical play for him as a centerpiece. But it is now the past, and as the NBA playoffs draw near, both teams have completely turned their attention back to the difficult ascent that lies ahead in the Western Conference standings.
