Draymond Green trade: Damian Lillard ‘campaigned’ to sign Warriors’ star at Trail Blazers

Golden State Warriors' dynasty came to an abrupt end last season after five straight NBA Final appearances and three championships. After Steph Curry broke his hand, Klay Thompson was ruled out with a torn ACL and Kevin Durant departed for Brooklyn, Warriors were content to effectively scrap 2019-20 NBA season and rival teams hoped to benefit from ir fall by scrapping on some of ir key players. According to recent reports, Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard had been lobbying his team to trade for Warriors' Draymond Green for a few years. 

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Draymond Green trade: Lilland 'campaigned' Blazers to trade for Warriors star

A recent report from Sam Amick on his podcast on Athletic NBA Show indicated that t only have Portland Trail Blazers circled water on Green in past, but franchise cornerstone Damian Lillard has specifically lobbied for such a deal. Amick said, "If we were handicapping Draymond trade destinations if Warriors decided to blow it up…that’s one. Damian and his group have for last couple of years been campaigning for that". Damian Lillard and Draymond Green are good friends off court and former was seemingly er to play with Warriors veteran at Portland. 

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It is believed that Lillard began campaigning for Green soon after Warrirors' decline because re was almost way that Golden State would have considered offloading forward during ir Championship runs. Warriors' run to five straight NBA Finals might have been most taxing on Green, who was tasked with defending opposing center on most nights.

ln 2019, reports also suggested that Green might be put onto trade market if Warriors’ fortunes worsened. However, three-time NBA champion signed a contract extension later that year in August and is w set to remain with Warriors until  2023-24 season, when he has a player option for $27.6 million.

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Draymond Green stats with Warriors this season

Warriors are w 2-2 since Green made his debut this season. Although his stats may t be that impressive, 30-year-old's communication, intensity, leadership and connection with Steph Curry have helped Warriors to rediscover ir form after a poor start. He is currently averaging 2.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game this season but those stats are likely to improve as season progresses.

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Im Credits - Trail Blazers, Warriors Instagram