Just because something feels unthinkable doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Even the human imagination has limitations. The NBA is no different.

Take out your cell phone. Think about what it really is that you’re holding in your hand. If you’d shown someone in the 1800s a handheld device that could tell you how the weather was in every part of the world at any time, you’d have either been executed or worshipped. 

There are trades that would seem unthinkable to the average fan. Yet, sometimes, those trades happen anyway. 

NBA

Jordan Poole allegedly hasn’t forgiven Draymond Green

It would seem unthinkable that the Golden State Warriors would trade Draymond Green. After all, he’s been the defensive anchor of their dynasty for almost a decade.

Yet, Green just punched Jordan Poole in the face in practice. Moreover, Green is due for a contract extension soon – and it might be one the Warriors can’t afford. 

Suddenly, the unthinkable feels plausible. If the Warriors do opt to trade Green this year, here are three deals we think they ought to consider:
 

Los Angeles Lakers

Indiana Pacers Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL) 

Golden State Warriors Receive: C Myles Turner 

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F/C Draymond Green, G/F Buddy Hield

If the Warriors are going to move Green, they’ll need to bring back a quality defensive player. Otherwise, they’ll suffer too dramatically from his loss. 

Turner fits the bill. Granted, he’s a different type of defender from Green. He’s generally less impactful and far less versatile. On the other hand, he’s a full-time rim protector. Moreover, he’s actually a more reliable floor spacer than Green on the offensive end. 

Meanwhile, the other two teams here have an obvious incentive to get involved in this deal. The Los Angeles Lakers badly need to improve on their 2021-22 season. This deal will help them do it.

Green should pair with Anthony Davis and LeBron James to give the Lakers one of the best defensive front courts in the NBA, and a floor-spacer like Hield always holds value. 

On the other hand, the Pacers may be desperate to lose. In a season where many teams are expected to tank ahead of a historic draft, the Pacers are close enough to the bottom of the standings to secure top odds. This deal would help them do that.