NBA Rumors: 3 looming threats to steal Draymond Green from Warriors

1. Houston Rockets

The Rockets are another southwest team with cash to burn and a significant desire to upgrade their roster. The Ime Udoka hire came with the not-so-subtle message that Houston plans to contend sooner than later. Not coincidentally, the Rockets have been heavily involved in rumors surrounding players like James Harden, Khris Middleton, and Jaylen Brown.

Draymond Green would be an interesting pickup for Houston on the basketball front. He’s a tremendous defensive backbone, something the Rockets desperately need. He’s also the kind of vociferous leader that locker room requires after years of sitting idly in the NBA basement under Stephen Silas.

Green’s fit with Aleperen Sengun in the frontcourt could end up being a double-edged sword. On one hand he’s a tremendous defender who could help cover some of Sengun’s weaknesses on that end (especially with his communication and orchestration skills). On the other hand, Sengun — while he can shoot — tends to operate around the elbow and in the post. Green’s lack of shooting could infringe upon his space a little bit.

That said, the risk is generally worth the reward with Green. The Rockets need veteran leadership in a big way and it wouldn’t be unwise to pair one of the league’s best defenders with one of its great offensive players if James Harden does indeed make his triumphant return this summer. If Green sees the blueprint for contention with Udoka at the helm, he could feasibly be tempted.