As the Golden State Warriors’ window to chase another NBA title closes, the franchise finds itself at a critical crossroads. With Stephen Curry turning 37, Draymond Green closing in on 35, Jimmy Butler close to 36, and the loss of big man Kevon Looney this summer, the Dubs’ championship timeline is rapidly shrinking.
Now, front office brass face a tough decision: swing for the fences with a generational talent or recalibrate the roster. We think the move for the Warriors will be the former. And there’s one name that towers above all others: Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The two-time MVP was reportedly unhappy with how the Damian Lillard situation panned out, and both the Warriors’ brass and ownership have long fantasized about pairing the Greek Freak with Curry.
But pulling off such a seismic deal would require a blockbuster, and a questionable package, testing salary-cap limits and GM Mike Dunleavy’s ability to retool smartly. If a Giannis trade proves too far-fetched, and many insiders already suggest it will be, Golden State must pivot to other high-impact options.
Think savvy veterans, defensive anchors, elite shooters, and rim-rollers who fit Kerr’s system immediately. In this market, six targets emerge as perfect complements to Curry and Butler, realistic players who could keep the Warriors in the title chase.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Jan 12, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts during the first quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Jan 12, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts during the first quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Potential Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (Sign-and-Trade), Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Trayce Jackson-Davis, 2026 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick, 2030 second-round pick
This move would be seismic. Giannis elevates the Warriors from great to instant title contenders; he’s a two-time MVP, 2020 NBA Champ, and a dominant force on both ends.
His ability to bulldoze into the paint or hit mid-range pull-ups adds a new dynamic alongside Steph Curry’s shot-making. But the cost? You’d be giving up your best young talent in Kuminga, plus three rotation players and a haul of picks. It’s everything or nothing. If you believe this window is now, then you’ll want to empty the bench and the bank.
However, this isn’t a fantasy: Giannis is reportedly open to exploring options beyond Milwaukee, and Golden State has long been mentioned among potential suitors. But knee-deep into cap space and asset depletion, GM Mike Dunleavy would need courage and creativity to make this blockbuster happen. Still, if you're writing headline news, this is your bazooka move.
Coby White
Apr 6, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (0) stands on the court during the first quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-Imagn Images
Apr 6, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (0) stands on the court during the first quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-Imagn Images
Potential Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Coby White
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, 2026 first-round pick
The Warriors get a 25-year-old scoring guard on the rise, Coby White, who isn’t some second-unit role player. He dropped 20.4 PPG on 45.3% shooting, dished 4.5 assists, and boasted a 90% clip from the line in 74 games this season. That’s an instant spark for a bench that missed play-in competitiveness, and his hot streak includes a 37-point game where he nailed six 3-pointers.
The catch? Moody and Podziemski aren’t world-beaters but are intriguing long-term developmental pieces. And yes, you’re sacrificing a future first-round pick. Still, compared to a Giannis-level blockbuster, this is a mid-tier bolt-on: buy experience, offense, and upside at moderate cost, perfect for a win-now mindset without mortgaging your future.
Bradley Beal
Apr 9, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Footprint Center.
Apr 9, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Footprint Center.
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Free Agency After Buyout
If the Suns finalize a buyout for Bradley Beal, the Warriors could pounce on a veteran scorer without surrendering future draft capital. Beal has struggled to find his fit in Phoenix’s rotation but still averaged a solid 17.0 PPG on 49.7 FG% and chipped in 3.7 APG across 53 games this season, with a sizzling 38.6% from deep.
He remains more than capable of torching bench units and could infuse GSW’s second unit with much-needed shot creation, taking pressure off Steph and Butler. The risk? He’s 32, his usage has dipped, and he’ll likely cling to a mid-tier contract.
The Suns are reportedly in buyout talks, meaning Beal could be had on a short-term deal tailored to a title push. Golden State’s bench has lacked consistent firepower, and Beal’s ability to oscillate between starter and super-sub roles could be just what Kerr ordered, especially if they keep assets intact for longer-term flexibility.
Nikola Vucevic
Apr 6, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) stands on the court during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-Imagn Images
Apr 6, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) stands on the court during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Nikola Vucevic, Ayo Dosunmu, 2025 No. 12 overall pick, 2027 first-round pick
Chicago Bulls Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (Sign-and-Trade)
Nikola Vucevic is less a splashy prism and more a calculated fit; he’s a stretch five who shot 40.2% from deep last season and regularly puts up double-doubles. He’d give Kerr a reliable interior presence, cut commotion on the glass, and help spread the floor so Curry and Butler can breathe. Bulls chatter reveals Chicago’s loosely open to this, though Golden State is wary about aging and limited defense.
This isn’t peak-flash; it’s peak value. Swapping Kuminga is a punch to future upside, but Golden State takes back a heat-tested vet and extra picks rather than burning its whole future. It’s safe-ish, sensible, with a dash of upside, and if they’re serious about squeezing another deep run out of this core, Vucevic might be just what the doctor ordered.
Nic Claxton
Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) reacts in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena.
Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) reacts in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena.
Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Nic Claxton
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (Sign-and-Trade) , Gui Santos
Nic Claxton is not your typical rim protector. This 26-year-old Brooklyn anchor averaged 10.3 PPG, 7.4 RPG, and blocked 1.4 shots per game at an efficient 56.3% clip over 70 games. Better yet, he showed center-level playmaking chops with a near triple-double night (10 assists!) against the Warriors on March 6th, orchestrating offense from the top of the key.
This swap delivers youth, length, athleticism, rim protection, and some playmaking at center, exactly what slots next to a small-ball lineup headlined by Curry, Butler, and Draymond. Brooklyn gets a high-upside swing asset, making this a win-win dance. No vintage All-Star here, just a building-block center who fits Steve Kerr’s hyper-paced, modern two-way scheme.
Al Horford
May 7, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) returns up court against the New York Knicks in the fourth quarter during game two of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden.
May 7, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) returns up court against the New York Knicks in the fourth quarter during game two of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden.
Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Free Agency
Al Horford isn’t flashy, but he offers the Warriors the seasoned frontcourt presence they sorely need. He averaged 9.0 PPG, 6.2 RPG, and 2.1 APG across 60 games last season on 42.3% FG and 36.3% from long range. Now 39, Horford remains a high-IQ floor spacer and locker-room anchor, ideal for mentoring the young bigs and slotting into Kerr’s motion system.
His storyline is compelling: Golden State is among several suitors for Horford, pursuing him amidst cap constraints and the possible exit of restricted free-agent Jonathan Kuminga. He fits neatly on a veteran-minimum deal, offering polished defense and versatility while preserving assets and luxury-tax space.
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