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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 19: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives against the Atlanta Hawks during the first quarter at State Farm Arena on January 19, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Golden State Warriors have been trying to figure out how to salvage this season. After Jimmy Butler tore his ACL, it looked like the year was over. Even with Stephen Curry playing at an All-NBA level, that might not be enough for them to make the playoffs.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is now ready to be traded. The Bucks have started looking harder at offers for Antetokounmpo. Golden State has been mentioned as a possible suitor for him in the wake of the Butler injury. The question is whether or not they have the assets to bring him in.
There are several other teams that are interested in trading for Antetokounmpo. He will likely be moved either before the deadline or this summer, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The Warriors are hoping to be at the top of the list, and it looks like they are.
GettyMilwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo dribbles the ball. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Warriors are a Top Suitor for Giannis Antetokounmpo
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Warriors are one of the top suitors for Antetokounmpo. They are not the only teams in pursuit of him, however. Amick lists the Timberwolves, the Heat, and the Knicks as the other top teams trying to trade for him.
Golden State has a few young players that they would have to put in any trade package with the Bucks. Several future first-round draft picks would be necessary, as well. They have a lot of motivation to get a deal done before the trade deadline.
Whether or not Milwaukee is ready to trade Antetokounmpo before the trade deadline next week is another matter. It might be better for them to wait until the summer for the market to fully open up so they can get the best possible deal for Antetokounmpo.
GettyMilwaukee Bucks forward dribbles the ball. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Giannis Antetokounmpo has the Power to Determine Where he will go
Antetokounmpo will get a say in where he is traded because he is essentially on an expiring contract. A team won’t trade for him unless he is willing to sign a long-term extension with them. Golden State needs to make sure that Antetokounmpo would be willing to stay in the Bay Area.
In order to have enough money to sign Antetokounmpo to an extension, Butler would likely have to be in the trade. In that case, the Warriors would have to put in several first-round picks to make it worthwhile for Milwaukee. Right now, the Warriors have the 13th-best offense in the NBA.
Adding Antetokounmpo would certainly help them out in that regard once he gets healthy. The fact that he is out for the next month is an issue with getting a deal done before the trade deadline, as well. That might be the problem for the Warriors.
Mike Dunleavy Jr. has talked in the past that they will not mortgage the future for any trade. That might be what is necessary to land a player of Antetokounmpo’s caliber.