“Putting Words In My Mouth”: Warriors GM Gets Heated When Asked About Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green Trade Rumors

Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy was always going to face tough questions after what turned out to be an underwhelming trade deadline. Many expected a blockbuster move from Dub Nation for Giannis Antetokounmpo. But instead, the Warriors landed Kristaps Porzingis.

The Warriors’ season took a sharp turn for the worse when Jimmy Butler suffered a torn ACL that has sidelined him for a year. That has left Stephen Curry carrying an even heavier load. The future Hall of Famer now finds himself more isolated than ever, especially with Draymond Green no longer performing close to his prime level.

So, it was rumored that both Butler and Green were on the trade block in the Warriors’ attempt to get Giannis. Dunleavy was asked to clarify his stance on the two stars recently. The reporters were trying to find out who exactly it was that the Warriors were okay with parting ways, and Dunleavy became livid.

Well, landing Porzingis is not enough to make Golden State contenders. But that does not mean Dunleavy lacks confidence in his current group. Things got especially heated when someone, rather casually, declared that Draymond would have had to be a part of the deal to get Giannis to San Francisco.

“No, he wouldn’t,” Dunleavy responded. “You’re putting words in my mouth. So, that’s an unbelievable assumption.” 

In most cases, reporters would take that as a cue to change the subject. But that person kept pressing on, asking the Warriors GM if it was Butler on the block instead. Unsurprisingly, it irked Dunleavy even more.

“No, no. We’re not doing that. I’m not going down the roster talking about who’s in trades, who’s not. We don’t do that,” he declared, bringing the conversation to an end.

What did raise eyebrows, however, was Draymond’s whole take on the matter.

Somewhat tense moment when Mike Dunleavy was asked about Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green in Giannis Antetokounmpo rumors. “You’re putting words in my mouth, so that’s an unbelievable assumption…I’m not going down the roster talking about who’s in trade, who’s not.” pic.twitter.com/ySMfDiVPOZ

— Sam Yip (@samyip__) February 8, 2026

Being a 14-year veteran and a franchise legend, Green was talking to the front office about a potential Giannis deal. And according to what he described on his podcast, Dunleavy told him that either Butler or he would have to be in a deal if the Greek Freak were to come to the Bay.

Draymond discusses how crazy things got in the days leading up to the NBA Trade Deadline and his conversation with Mike Dunleavy

“He said “We’ve spoke about Giannis, we spoke about what picks we’d send them, we haven’t really talked about the players that would go back yet…… pic.twitter.com/y8mN6nNJgB

— The Draymond Green Show (@DraymondShow) February 7, 2026

Whether Dunleavy would have gone ahead with that if the Bucks agreed will remain a mystery. Perhaps they’ll go after him again in the summer. As of now, Green stays put.