If the Golden State Warriors are serious about landing Giannis Antetokounmpo, they have one very clear obstacle to overcome: Draymond Green.

This isn't just about who's more valuable on the court. It comes down to the NBA's strict salary-matching rules in trades. Simply put, the numbers don't work without Draymond.

Giannis carries a massive salary, and under league rules, any team trading for him must send back nearly equal money. For the Warriors, the only contracts on the roster big enough to make that happen belong to Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green.

Since the whole point of acquiring Giannis would be to pair him with Curry and Butler, Green becomes the logical piece to move. It's a tough call for a franchise icon, but in the world of blockbuster trades, sometimes the math makes the decision for you.

According to ESPN's Bobby Marks, "Because of the lack of sizable contracts beyond Curry and Jimmy Butler III, Draymond Green and his $27.7 million salary would be required to make any Giannis deal work." He notes that Curry, Butler, and Green currently account for 79% of the Warriors' payroll next season. The remaining six players—Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, Gui Santos, Al Horford, Will Richard, and De'Anthony Melton—each earn less than $13 million.

There's another wrinkle: Green, Horford, and Melton all hold player options, meaning they can't be traded unless they first opt into their contracts.

On the bright side, the Warriors have draft capital to sweeten any deal. Marks points out they can trade four first-round picks: the 11th overall pick in this year's draft, plus selections in 2028, 2030 (top-20 protected), and 2032.

Package Green, a few role players, and those picks together, and you might just have the foundation for a franchise-altering trade. It wouldn't leave Golden State with much depth, but when you're chasing a talent like Giannis, sometimes you have to bet big.