Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors
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Giannis Antetokounmpo with Stephen Curry
Giannis Antetokounmpo has long been linked to the Golden State Warriors as a dream trade target — the kind of superstar who could extend the franchise’s dynasty beyond the Stephen Curry era. But following ESPN’s recent bombshell that Antetokounmpo prefers the New York Knicks as his destination outside Milwaukee, there appears to be a subtle shift in the Warriors’ internal thinking.
“I’ve talked to Warriors people in the aftermath, because the league was talking about Shams’ story and the revelations of it in the aftermath, and they poured cold water on the idea that there were some hot Giannis destinations,” ESPN’s Anthony Slater said on The Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective Podcast.
Still, Slater reminded fans that this isn’t the first time Golden State has downplayed trade speculation. “They were kind of pouring cold water on the Jimmy Butler idea around this time last year,” he added. “And then they went 12 and 3 out of the gates. I was like, you know, this team’s fine.”
The Knicks and Bucks had an exclusive trade window in August, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, but that opportunity has closed. With New York now out of its exclusive phase, the market for Antetokounmpo could reopen, giving Golden State and other suitors a potential path to enter the sweepstakes — if the Bucks star pushes for a trade.
Warriors’ Aging Core and Future Picks Could Tempt Milwaukee
Golden State’s appeal lies not just in its legacy but also in its future trade assets. The franchise has up to four tradable first-round picks, along with young talent and expiring contracts that could make a deal financially and competitively viable.
“If you were the Bucks, for example, the Warriors have a pretty appealing future — their future picks are pretty appealing because it’s going to be the post–Steph Curry era,” Slater said. “Those could be very good picks. So I think they could get in the mix, but my vibe from them is there’s not some strong belief or plan that this is going to happen.”
Right now, the Warriors’ focus is on the present.
“Internally, it’s about this Jimmy Butler–Steph Curry–Draymond Green–Al Horford–aged foursome trying to make one or two last competitive runs here,” Slater added. “If the Giannis thing were to materialize — if he directed himself there — I think that’s an important part of this.”
Windhorst: League Bracing for Giannis Trade Request
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst added more fuel to the fire last week, suggesting Antetokounmpo’s latest comments hint at an imminent trade request.
“[Antetokounmpo] just gave you the answer to that question,” Windhorst said on ESPN’s First Take. “He said six or seven months. He didn’t just pull that number out of thin air — he thought very carefully about how long it was until the end of the season. And what he basically said there is, ‘I’m going to give it another evaluation at the end of the season.’”
Windhorst believes the writing may already be on the wall for Milwaukee.
“It is very clear to the whole league that Giannis’s situation in Milwaukee is probably short-term,” he said. “Could they surprise the league this year and have a great run in the Eastern Conference? Sure. But while everybody’s being respectful, the league is preparing for the end of Giannis’s tenure in Milwaukee.”
Giannis Adds to the Uncertainty
When asked directly about the Knicks rumors, Antetokounmpo didn’t exactly shut them down.
“I think I’ve communicated with my teammates and the people I respect that the moment I step on this court or in this facility, the rest does not matter,” Antetokounmpo said. “Now, if in six, seven months I change my mind, I think that’s human too. You’re allowed to make any decision you want.”
Those words have sent shockwaves through Milwaukee, echoing the tone of a superstar already weighing his options.
For now, the Knicks may be leading the race, but the Warriors are lurking — armed with assets, experience, and a legacy that could entice the two-time MVP if he decides to look west instead of east.