Warriors GM caught in web of lies at bizarre press conference

Dunleavy's comments about trade deadline moves contradict reports and player accounts

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy held a tense and bizarre press conference where he seemingly contradicted reports and player accounts about the team's trade deadline moves, including their pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo and the status of veteran Draymond Green.

Why it matters

The Warriors' trade deadline activity and their pursuit of a superstar like Antetokounmpo are major storylines for the franchise and the NBA. Dunleavy's contradictory statements and apparent evasiveness have raised questions about the team's transparency and decision-making process.

The details

During the press conference, Dunleavy initially expressed optimism about the team's acquisition of Kristaps Porzingis, but then gave conflicting answers when asked about how the pursuit of Antetokounmpo may have impacted other moves. He also denied that Draymond Green was ever in active trade discussions, contradicting Green's own account. When pressed further, Dunleavy became defensive and refused to discuss specifics about potential trades involving Green or Jimmy Butler, even though NBA salary cap rules would have required including one of those players in a deal for Antetokounmpo.

  • The press conference took place on February 8, 2026, following the Warriors' loss to the Lakers on February 7.
  • On February 7, ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported that the Warriors had 'extensive conversations' with the Memphis Grizzlies about trading for Jaren Jackson Jr. but tabled those talks due to the Antetokounmpo pursuit.
  • On February 7, Draymond Green discussed on his podcast how Dunleavy had spoken to him about the Antetokounmpo trade discussions.

The players

Mike Dunleavy

The general manager of the Golden State Warriors who held the bizarre and contradictory press conference.

Draymond Green

A veteran player for the Golden State Warriors who discussed on his podcast how Dunleavy had spoken to him about the team's pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The superstar player for the Milwaukee Bucks that the Warriors were reportedly pursuing in a trade.

Kristaps Porzingis

The player the Warriors acquired in a trade around the deadline.

Jimmy Butler

Another veteran player for the Warriors who would have likely needed to be included in a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo due to salary cap rules.

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What they’re saying

“I'd walk that back a little bit. His name was not in conversations. Other than the ones where teams call me and ask about him, which they do every year. So nothing's new there. The idea that he stayed with the Warriors past the deadline was greatly exaggerated. It was never a possibility of him not being here or remotely close, to be honest.”

— Mike Dunleavy, Warriors General Manager (sfgate.com)

“No, no, no, we're not doing that. I'm not talking about going down the roster, talking about who's in trades and who's not. We don't do that.”

— Mike Dunleavy, Warriors General Manager (sfgate.com)

“I have no idea what Mike Dunleavy thought he was accomplishing with his comments tonight about the trade deadline. Borderline embarrassing.”

— Tim Kawakami, Bay Area Columnist (Twitter)

“Bob Myers wasn't a perfect GM, but he dealt with a lot of stuff and NEVER opened up other issues with his own comments. Dunleavy opened up about 3 or 4 new ones tonight.”

— Tim Kawakami, Bay Area Columnist (Twitter)

What’s next

It remains to be seen how the Warriors will move forward after Dunleavy's contradictory statements and whether the team will address the transparency issues raised by the press conference.

The takeaway

Dunleavy's bizarre and evasive press conference has raised serious questions about the Warriors' decision-making and transparency around their trade deadline moves, particularly their pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo. The contradictions between Dunleavy's statements and the accounts of players and reporters have damaged the team's credibility and trust with the media and fans.