The Golden State Warriors faced criticism this offseason for their inability to secure a blockbuster trade, despite attempts to acquire All-Star forwards Paul George and Lauri Markkanen. However, veteran forward Draymond Green has come to the defense of the front office, particularly general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr., praising the team’s offseason moves and Dunleavy’s cautious approach to retooling the roster.

Green Praises Dunleavy’s Patience

During media day on Monday, Green strongly defended Dunleavy’s strategy, emphasizing the importance of not rushing into deals that could potentially harm the team in the long term. “Sometimes the best deal you can make is to not make a deal,” Green remarked, showcasing his appreciation for Dunleavy’s calculated approach to building the roster.

He further elaborated on Dunleavy’s basketball acumen, saying, “It’s a testament to Mike Dunleavy Jr. and who he is as a basketball mind. In most situations, you see someone panic and they make a move that sets them back for five years. One move in this league, it can pretty much set you up for how the next 10 years of your organization is going to go.”

Criticism Over Lack of Big Trades

The Warriors’ quiet offseason, particularly their failure to land a second offensive star to complement Stephen Curry, has sparked frustration among fans and analysts alike. After watching teams around the league make significant moves, including Karl-Anthony Towns’ trade to the New York Knicks, some questioned whether Golden State was doing enough to compete for another championship.

Green acknowledged this criticism but emphasized that the team is betting on internal development rather than chasing high-profile trades. The Warriors will need young players like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody to take a big step forward as they gear up for the new season.

Avoiding a Risky Trade

In a revealing comment made on the Club 520 podcast in July, Green hinted that he had advised the front office against making a trade that he felt would have been detrimental to the Warriors’ long-term success. While he didn’t specify whether this advice pertained to Markkanen or another player, it highlights his influence within the organization and his dedication to preserving the team’s future.

Looking Forward to the Season

Despite the criticism, Dunleavy himself has maintained confidence in the Warriors’ current roster. During a recent press conference, he acknowledged the franchise’s desire to make a move but stressed the importance of patience. “We’re probably as impatient as you can be as a franchise right now,” Dunleavy admitted, leaving open the possibility of a mid-season trade if things don’t go according to plan early on.

The Warriors have been linked to Miami Heat All-Star forward Jimmy Butler in trade rumors, and there’s long been speculation that they would pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo if he ever signals his desire to leave the Milwaukee Bucks. Whether a big move happens remains to be seen, but Green’s endorsement of the front office suggests that the Warriors are focused on the long game, rather than making a panic-driven deal.

Green’s Endorsement Speaks Volumes

Green’s vocal support of Dunleavy and the Warriors’ strategy reflects his confidence in the team’s leadership. While there is pressure on the Warriors to return to championship contention, Green is backing the calculated approach over hasty decisions. As the new season approaches, the team will look to prove that internal development and patience can still lead them back to the top of the NBA.