Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, Warriors
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Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors talks to Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Golden State Warriors are considered one of the top destinations for Giannis Antetokounmpo on the trade block. Recent news confirmed the Milwaukee Bucks are listening to trade offers on Antetokounmpo and many teams will have interest in the former two-time MVP. However, Golden State has one of the best packages on paper with both young talent and draft picks to offer.
NBC Sports reports that the Warriors are willing to include anyone and anything in the trade except for superstar Stephen Curry:
“According to several sources contacted this week, the Warriors are willing to meet [the Bucks] criteria. They’re ready to give up a whole lot. The general assumption is that Curry is, of course, the only untouchable. This is an instance when, according to sources, the Warriors not only are intrigued with the idea of adding Giannis but also are aligned in the belief that he is worth the pursuit.”
The report gives the most important details regarding Golden State’s viewpoint on trading for Antetokounmpo. Writer Monte Poole’s source claims that the Warriors believe Giannis is worth the massive trade package they’d need to offer to get him. Extending Curry’s chance at contending for a title is also a great driving force.
What Will Milwaukee Want From Warriors?
Milwaukee holds all the leverage right now since it has been many years since a player like Antetokounmpo was on the trade block in his prime. The Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Doncic last season, but they never actually put him on the trade block for teams to send their best offers.
Golden State will have to outbid other teams with stronger talents than they offer. Jonathan Kuminga, Mooses Moody and Brandin Podziemski are all promising pieces that will improve the Bucks’ youth. A rebuilding effort without Giannis means that younger talent is badly needed for the lackluster Milwaukee roster.
Jimmy Butler is also an interesting asset to easily match Antetokounmpo’s salary with an injured player. The Bucks have no path towards contending right now, so allowing Butler’s contract to run out after next season will free up money within a season and a half. However, this all comes back to the draft picks and Golden State being willing to offer more than other teams for the chance to win now.
Warriors Might Have To Wait Longer
The current timetable sees Milwaukee having the freedom to field offers now and hold out longer until the offseason. Most blockbuster trades with massive star power take place after the season ends when more teams are on the market and more draft picks are available to offer.
The Bucks could easily extend this if no teams are willing to provide their dream offer right now. Golden State has been reported to prioritize Antetokounmpo above all other names on the market and will wait until the summer if necessary.
A relatively wasted season would see the Warriors holding on to their assets until Milwaukee is ready to say yes to their deal. Don’t expect any moves from Golden State before the upcoming trade deadline unless Giannis is already off the board.