The Golden State Warriors are well-positioned to pursue Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, any deal would likely face complications without including Warriors forward Jimmy Butler.
Butler tore his ACL earlier this month, ending his 2025-26 season and casting doubt on his availability for the start of the 2026-27 NBA campaign. The injury also raises serious questions about the Warriors’ championship window and the future of 37-year-old star Stephen Curry.
Lately, the Bucks have become more open to moving Antetokounmpo, yet sources say they aren’t in a rush to make a deal by this week’s February trade deadline. They may wait until the offseason to attract higher-value offers and potentially ignite a competitive bidding war.
Will the Warriors trade Jimmy Butler for Giannis Antetokounmpo?
Jan 7, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) drives to the basket against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images
If the Warriors aim to land Antetokounmpo, their prime window is before the trade deadline, and they would likely have to part with significant pieces. San Francisco Standard beat reporter Danny Emerman notes that the team does not intend to include the recently sidelined Jimmy Butler in any trade talks.
“Even with Giannis Antetokounmpo suddenly more available than ever, the Warriors have continued to signal their commitment to building around Butler and Steph Curry rather than package Butler’s $54 million salary in a trade, a source indicated. With or without Antetokounmpo, the organization is anticipating that Butler will return next season after a year of ACL rehabilitation,” Emerman reported in his article.
Jan 7, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dribbles the ball against Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) during the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images
Ultimately, the decision to trade Butler rests with the Warriors, but currently, the most viable route to acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo would involve sending Butler and Jonathan Kuminga as part of a package that also features four first-round picks and two pick swaps.
The Bucks’ superstar faces a lengthy sidelining after suffering a calf strain last week in Milwaukee’s home loss to the Nuggets. Through 30 games this season, Antetokounmpo has averaged 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per contest while shooting 64.5 percent from the field.