The Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes have quietly lingered throughout the season, but after he officially requested a trade just one week before the NBA trade deadline, things have begun to heat up.
Several teams have already emerged as potential suitors, though any deal will likely need to be a seamless fit in the eyes of Antetokounmpo himself.
Thus far, the teams most frequently mentioned include the Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and most recently, the Golden State Warriors - who, according to NBC Sports' Kurt Helin, have emerged as the current frontrunner, and for good reason.
Milwaukee's asking price is understandably steep. Antetokounmpo remains one of the best players in the NBA and is still just 31 years old.
Golden State, however, has something many teams do not: the ability to offer up to four future first-round picks, with the potential for some of those selections to come after star guard Stephen Curry's career comes to an end - a factor that could make them especially valuable in the eyes of the Bucks.
"League sources NBC Sports has spoken with lean toward Golden State because it can offer up to four first-round draft picks - ones that could be very valuable after Curry retires, Antetokounmpo fades, and the Warriors struggle," Helin wrote.
The Bucks are expected to demand significant draft capital from any team they negotiate with, as trading Antetokounmpo would signal the start of a rebuild. The Warriors, who can offer first-round picks from 2028 and beyond, could put together a particularly intriguing package.
Golden State also has young talent to include, such as Jonathan Kuminga - who has reportedly requested a trade - along with Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and potentially others.
When paired with future draft picks that could gain significant value as Curry's career winds down and Antetokounmpo begins to age, the Warriors' offer could emerge as the most attractive package Milwaukee receives.
For Golden State, acting sooner rather than later would be ideal as the organization looks to maximize what remains of its championship window with Curry and Draymond Green. That urgency increased after Jimmy Butler suffered a season-ending torn ACL, and his contract could also be used in a potential deal to help facilitate salary matching.
Newsweek