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Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green reacts. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Golden State Warriors are trying to find a way to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo. After Jimmy Butler went down with a season-ending injury, they have been searching for a replacement. Butler will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL.
Antetokounmpo has come on the block as the Bucks look to part ways with Antetokounmpo following a disappointing season. Right now, Milwaukee sits 12th in the Eastern Conference standings. Golden State is trying to win now, however.
Currently, the Warriors sit eighth in the Western Conference standings. They have the most assets to offer the Bucks in a trade for Antetokounmpo. Draymond Green could be part of that trade for financial reasons, and he is bracing for that possibility.
GettyGolden State Warriors forward Draymond Green dribbles the ball. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Warriors’ Draymond Green is Preparing to be Sent to Milwaukee
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, Green is bracing himself for the possibility that he could be sent to Milwaukee in a trade for Antetokounmpo.
“To that point, league sources say Green and his camp are well aware that the prospect of him being sent to Milwaukee is very real. As our Nick Friedell reported on Monday, Jimmy Butler has been given strong indications that the Warriors plan to ‘stick by him as he begins a year-long rehab’ from his recently torn ACL. And if Butler isn’t in the proposed deal — based on the economics and league rules — then Green is.”
Financially, the Warriors would likely have to include Green if Butler isn’t in the trade. Of course, the bulk of the trade package to the Bucks would center around draft picks, which is what Milwaukee wants the most. He would instantly become a veteran leader in Milwaukee.
Golden State doesn’t want to trade Green unless they absolutely have to. He has been the backbone of their defense and their emotional leader for over a decade. Trading him would have the Warriors lose a lot of their edge.
GettyMilwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo dribbles the ball. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
The Warriors Are the Top Suitor for Giannis Antetokounmpo
Golden State continues to be the top suitor for Antetokounmpo. They have the most to offer for Antetokounmpo, although Amick reports that the Bucks have been underwhelmed with offers so far. That could end up pushing a deal until the summer when more suitors are available.
The Warriors would prefer to get a deal done now so they still have a shot to make the playoffs and compete for a championship. They are perhaps the team that wants to get a deal done before the deadline the most of any other team in the NBA.
Golden State doesn’t want to mortgage the future for Antetokounmpo, but they might not have a choice. The Warriors might not have another option with how well Stephen Curry is still playing. Signing Antetokounmpo to an extension after trading for him might be their best option.