Suspended Warriors star's imminent return could push team to make trade

Green has been out since Dec. 12, when he was ejected for a flagrant foul on Phoenix's Jusuf Nurkic. The next day, the NBA handed down an indefinite suspension, with the league requiring regular check-ins and therapy for the embattled forward.

While he's been out, the Warriors have held their own, going 6-4 with a revamped starting lineup. Jonathan Kuminga, 21, has shined as the starting power forward, averaging 14.5 points and shooting 56 percent from the field in Green's absence. Coach Steve Kerr also moved former starters Andrew Wiggins and Kevon Looney to the bench in favor of rookies Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis, while giving spot starts to veteran Chris Paul.

But the Warriors are facing a related set of problems. They need their veterans to start playing better, including Klay Thompson. But they also need to give playing time to young players like Kuminga and 2021 lottery pick Moses Moody, who has been in and out of the rotation all season.

The team also has Paul's $30.8 million contract to use in a trade, which includes a useful non-guaranteed $30 million salary for next season. When Green comes back, one or more players are going to the bench, and the team badly needs a two-for-one or three-for-one deal to balance the roster.

With five weeks left until the trade deadline, Golden State has a limited time to evaluate its roster and decide on moves. But with Green back, the Warriors might not wait until Feb. 8 to shake up their 16-17 team.