NBA Trade Rumours: Could Draymond Green Leave the Warriors After His Fight With Steve Kerr? Here's The Truth

The Golden State Warriors secured a comfortable 120–97 win over the Orlando Magic on Monday night, but the result was quickly overshadowed by a tense sideline incident that has reignited NBA trade rumours around Draymond Green and his long-term future in San Francisco.

A heated exchange between Green and head coach Steve Kerr during an early third-quarter timeout led to the veteran forward leaving the bench and spending the remainder of the game out of uniform. While both sides moved swiftly to play down the confrontation, the optics of the moment intensified questions fans and rivals were already asking.

What Happened During the Third-Quarter Timeout

The Warriors were trailing 71–66 when Kerr called timeout, frustrated by what he felt was a lack of focus. Green had just committed a turnover and was engaged in a discussion with an official when Kerr attempted to gather the team.

Words were exchanged, and Green ultimately walked down the tunnel to the locker room. Assistant coach Jerry Stackhouse and wing Moses Moody were seen attempting to calm him as teammates looked on.

Green returned to the bench before the fourth quarter but did not remove his warmups and never re-entered the game.

Kerr later confirmed that the decision was final. 'He wasn't going back in. He left, and we moved forward,' the coach said after the game, as reported by NBC Sports Bay Area.

How Kerr, Green and Curry Addressed the Incident

Both Kerr and Green sought to defuse the situation publicly. Kerr described the exchange as private, stressing that disagreements were not unusual given their long history together. Green echoed that sentiment, saying he chose to step away because the situation was unlikely to improve at the moment.

'Tempers spilled over, and I thought it was best that I get out of there,' Green said in the post-game interview. 'We move forward.'

Team leader Stephen Curry also attempted to shift focus back to the win, noting that the locker room atmosphere remained positive despite the external attention.

Why This Incident Feels Different

On its own, a sideline argument between Kerr and Green would not be unprecedented. The two have navigated similar moments over their 12 seasons together. What has caught attention this time is the context.

This was the second straight game Green departed early, following an ejection in the previous contest. It also came during a stretch where ball security has been a point of emphasis, with Green committing 13 turnovers across the Warriors' two most recent losses prior to Monday.

Notably, Golden State surged after Green left the floor, taking control of the game behind Curry's perfect shooting stretch in the third quarter. Curry finished with 26 points, while Jimmy Butler III added 21 as the Warriors improved to 15–15.

How the Fight Fuels NBA Trade Rumours

Visible tension between a franchise cornerstone and a head coach inevitably draws league-wide attention, particularly with the trade deadline approaching. Executives around the NBA closely monitor moments that suggest a relationship may be under strain, even when public statements insist otherwise.

Green remains one of the most identifiable figures in the Warriors' dynasty era, but incidents like Monday's are often cited by fans and analysts when discussing whether change could eventually become unavoidable.

Draymond Green's Role and Warriors Context

Green continues to be a central figure for the Golden State Warriors, valued for his defence, playmaking and leadership. Kerr noted that Green played well in the first half and dismissed the idea that frustration over performance drove the argument.

Still, as the Warriors attempt to stabilise a season hovering around .500, every public flash-point adds fuel to ongoing Draymond Green trade speculation. For now, both player and coach insist there will be no lingering effects, but the spotlight on Green's future has only grown brighter.