On the night of February 1st, Draymond Green was mentally preparing for a coronation. The Golden State Warriors were bringing the band back together. That’s what he was told. That’s what he believed.
Green was at the Warriors’ annual charity poker tournament, sharing a brief moment with team owner Joe Lacob. At that point, the talk around a possible reunion with Kevin Durant had started to feel real.
“Joe goes, ‘Draymond, I think we’re gonna get Kevin Durant. It’s right there at the finish line, it’s happening,’” Green recalled (via Jimmy Kimmel Live)
Cue the internal fireworks. It sounded a bit closer, like something might actually be in motion. A possible return. Maybe even Durant, the former Finals MVP, back where the banners hang. Green made his way back to the table. After all, it was poker night — and if he had any reaction, he likely kept it to himself.
Then Stephen Curry shouted across the room.
“Steph yells, ‘Draymond, you see the trade?’ I go, ‘It happened!’ Steph goes, ‘Wait, who?’ I said, ‘Oh, never mind. Nobody. What happened?’ He’s like, ‘Luka got traded.’” (via Jimmy Kimmel Live)
