Draymond Green shared a curious anecdote on the “Jimmy Kimmel Live” show, providing deep insights into the chaotic minutes when the mega trade involving Luka Doncic shook the NBA. Green himself initially believed in a completely different sensation: the return of Kevin Durant to the Warriors.
When the news broke on February 2, 2025, that Luka Doncic had been traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, Draymond Green was at a Golden State Warriors charity poker tournament. On Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show, he described how he experienced what was probably the most spectacular trade night of the season – including a misunderstanding that briefly triggered a KD flashback.
“I thought Shams had been hacked,” Green said of the first tweet about the Doncic news. Shortly before, Warriors owner Joe Lacob had informed him in private: “Draymond, we’re getting KD back. It’s happening.” Lacob then quickly backtracked: “I shouldn’t have said that – please keep it to yourself.”
But before Green could really process what was going on, Steph Curry chimed in: “Draymond, did you see the trade?” Green – still in KD mode – replied euphorically: “It happened?” But Curry wasn’t talking about Durant, he was talking about Doncic. “Oh… never mind, no one,” Green said laughing in retrospect.
“I guess I’m next”: Green couldn’t believe the Luka trade
The trade of Doncic to LeBron James and the Lakers shocked Green as much as the rest of the league. “Superstars at 25 don’t get traded. Especially not when they’ve just been in the Finals. I couldn’t believe it,“ said the forward. He added jokingly: ”If Luka gets traded, it could happen to anyone – I guess I’m next.”
In the end, KD’s comeback fell through – according to Green, Durant rejected a return to the Bay Area. The Warriors reacted and secured Jimmy Butler instead.
