Josh Green reveals how he knew NBA trade was on cards, Boomers dream and remarkable achievements at just 23

Where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire in the world of NBA trades. Before he was traded by Dallas to Charlotte, Boomer Josh Green knew something was up.

Boomer Josh Green had an inkling as early as Friday there was a chance Dallas could trade him.

As one of very few valuable assets on the beaten NBA finalist’s roster, Mavericks fans went back and forth on social media about the pros and cons of moving the athletic wing to another club, while the front office fielded interest.

“My name has been talked about in trade talks — it is right now,” he told Code Sports last Friday, sensing what might be coming.

“It’s one of those things where, you know, it happens, it’s part of the game, it’s part of what we signed up for.”

By Monday, Green knew he was on the move and, on Tuesday, Australians woke up to the bombshell news the Sydneysider was off to the Charlotte Hornets in a deal that would land ageing four-time Golden State Warriors champion Klay Thompson at the Mavericks.

Josh Green is on the move after four years in Dallas. Picture: Getty Images

It’s a new start former Mavs teammate Dante Exum believes opens an opportunity for his Boomers brother to spread his wings — once he gets over the shock, of course.

“At the end of the day, we’re all professionals and understand that’s just the business of it and (he’d) known for a couple of days that it was definitely a possibility,” Exum, who, in 2019, was traded by Utah to Cleveland, said.

“When it becomes a reality, it’s kind of a bit of a shock at first.

“We joked about it but I think he’s in a good place and just looking forward to (joining) a team that wants him.

“I think Charlotte’s been trying to trade for him for a while so hopefully he gets a really good opportunity there.”

Green is the third NBA Boomer to be traded in the past couple of weeks with Josh Giddey shifting from Oklahoma City to Chicago and Dyson Daniels making the move from New Orleans to Atlanta.

Giddey was forced to fly to Chicago for a physical early last week — right as the Boomers were to begin prep.

Joshes, Green and Giddey, pictured at Foot Locker QV, Melbourne, are among four Boomers set for new NBA homes. Picture: Michael Klein

It left coach Brian Goorjian fearing both Daniels and Green would be forced to follow suit.

“I thought they were (both) going to have to do what Giddey did and fly out for a god damn physical,” Goorjian said.

“It was more concerning from ‘are they going to have to go and come back’ but I think, to be truthful, (it’s) opportunity.

“Our guys were role players, now they’re moving up.

“A guy like Josh Green is going to probably play much more of a pivotal role and he’s excited and I think it’s the same thing with Daniels.

“You’re playing alongside this guy (Hawks star guard Trae Young), they need a big defensive guard, there’s not as many people standing in his way

“I think they see opportunity.”

HEALTHIER, BETTER BOOMER READY TO STEP UP IN PARIS

While he was more than comfortable playing a supporting role to superstars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, he’ll get an opportunity to take his game to the next level in Charlotte, alongside former Illawarra Hawks NBL Next Star LaMelo Ball.

That flourish must begin at the Olympics, where Green will need to be a key feature at both ends of the floor if the Boomers are any hope of emulating or exceeding their historic Tokyo bronze medal heroics of three years ago.

“I’m definitely ready to take a bigger step and bigger role (with the Boomers) — obviously … with the Mavs, it’s a little bit harder to have a big offensive role there,” he said.

“I’m the type of guy to do whatever the coaches want or whatever really fits the team.

“I kind of just go with the flow, so we’ll see.”

Josh Green is among the Boomers most important, athletic and electrifying players. Picture: AFP

One of the many factors that combined last year to scuttle the Boomers’ World Cup campaign was an injury-wrecked preparation for Green: “I got hurt two times, so it kind of sucked.”

He acknowledges the NBA finals run has taken a toll but he’s adamant the Aussies will get a superior Josh Green in Paris.

“A healthier version — a lot healthier version,” he vowed.

“I’m pretty drained physically and mentally right now, but it’s part of basketball and there’s no bigger stage than the finals and the Olympics.

“Even this NBA season, I was pretty banged up, so my main priority, right now, is making sure that I’m healthy and ready to go and just doing all the right things.”

FOOTY, BASKETBALL AND A SLIDING DOORS MOMENT

The Josh Green story is a well known one on Australian shores, given there was a time when he was a live AFL prospect.

Growing up in the Sydney suburb of Castle Hill, the son of Cahla and Delmas — the Hills Hornets give their award their male MVP in dad’s name each year — Green tried his hand at just about every sport.

Physically blessed, a teacher’s encouragement steered him towards Australian rules, where he eventually landed in development academies at AFL clubs Sydney, then Greater Western Sydney.

“Growing up, my family always tried to get me to try every single sport,” he said.

“My dad was an import basketball player, my mum played basketball, I had an older brother who played basketball but, for me, it was just figuring out what I wanted to do and what I loved doing.

Josh Green might have taken his pick of sports at the elite level — he chose basketball.

“My PE teacher wanted to put me on Australian football. She’s like, ‘you’re athletic, you can kick the ball, you should give AFL a try’.

“I gave it a try one time at lunch and I loved it and fell in love with the game.

“I was all right, I guess.”

Footy might have been the path, but the Green family’s decision to pack up and head to the states meant the call to basketball was made for him.

A big Sydney fan, Green admits he doesn’t have as much time to watch the footy as he’d like — but is well aware the Swannies are on top of the ladder.

“Watching it makes me miss it a lot, to be honest with you,” he said.

“But obviously I’m happy with basketball. I follow the Swans and the Swans are on top so that’s always good.”

SKY’S THE LIMIT

After four seasons in the NBA, it’s easy to forget the 196cm guard-forward is still just 23.

He’s a top-20 NBA draft pick, won Olympic bronze, been to the NBA finals and signed a three-year US$41 million contract — that kicks in this season.

It’s big money for anyone, but might be one of the best bang-for-your buck deals in the NBA, given the ridiculous $300 million-plus deals being thrown around this year.

Josh Green was the 20th pick in the 2020 NBA draft. Picture: NBAE/Getty Images

Green watches his teammates smack China on Tuesday night. Picture: Getty Images

He’s really only just beginning but the magnitude of his experiences isn’t lost on Green, even if he devotes very little time to reflection.

“I think we take things for granted a lot in life and, while I wouldn’t say I take it for granted, I’m just a very competitive guy and it’s so hard because I’m always telling myself to be in the present,” he said.

“Sometimes it’s easier said than done and we look forward to things in the future but I’m super proud of myself.

“I know my family is proud of me, but that just keeps me going and keeps me motivated.”

SURE, THE NBA FINALS ARE COOL, BUT HAVE YOU PLAYED FOR YOUR COUNTRY?

“There’s nothing that replicates putting on the green and gold.”

Running around as a little tacker, a young Josh Green would dream about wearing Australian colours at the highest level.

At that stage, he didn’t know — or care — which sport he’d be competing in, he just wanted to represent his country.

“I really didn’t know but I knew that all I wanted to do was wear green and gold,” Green said at the Boomers’ appearance at Foot Locker QV in Melbourne, said.

“So, whenever I get that opportunity, it’s awesome.”

Asked how representing Australia compares to playing in the NBA finals: “Nothing will ever be the same as wearing the green and gold.”

Josh Green has realised his green and gold dream — and he wants more. Picture: Getty Images

GLAD I’M NOT GOORJ

Green, along with several other key players, are walk up starters to the Paris squad.

But intrigue around the last couple of spots on the plane continues to fascinate, with one game against China to go on Thursday night before the Olympic squad is officially unveiled on Sunday.

Do the Boomers take three big men, bringing Tasmania NBL champion Will Magnay with locks Jock Landale and Duop Reath?

The power forward spot is a cluster with five guys battling for two spots.

And does old stager Matthew Dellavedova make it?

Green has no idea, but he’s “just glad I’m not part of the selection committee.”

“It’s going to be tough, man,” he said.

“I mean, all 17 guys here are really good guys. They’re great players, but even better people.

“At the end of the day, it’s a business and the coaches have their perspective on it.”

Originally published as Josh Green reveals how he knew NBA trade was on cards, Boomers dream and remarkable achievements at just 23