In many Golden State Warriors fans’ minds, missing out on Milwaukee Bucks NBA champion forward Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer would result in a lackluster offseason.
Antetokounmpo, who’s no longer off limits from a trade perspective, is the asset the Warriors have zeroed in on lately. A deal has yet to occur, but there’s a strong belief the Warriors will make a valiant effort to land the 10-time All-Star in the upcoming months.
However, Golden State’s straightforward trade decision centered on Draymond Green will undoubtedly complicate a potential deal.
"In that vein, team sources have indicated that they have no intention to shop Green or push him out,” ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported Monday.
"On the court, they still view him as an additive winner with an elite defensive skill set that plays up when the stakes rise. Off the court, the organization felt he had a positive season as a leader, while his acumen and voice essentially make him another assistant coach.”
If the Bucks are willing to accept Jimmy Butler instead of Green in an NBA-altering deal for Antetokounmpo, then their decision to retain Green won’t backfire. However, with Butler coming off a devastating ACL injury, the Bucks may feel inclined to steer clear of the aging superstar, making Green their next best trade chip.
Without at least shopping for Green, the Warriors will likely find it more challenging to bring Antetokounmpo on board this summer. Despite declining in the final stages of his career, the four-time NBA champion still has respectable trade value that could entice Milwaukee.
Ideally, the Warriors would want Green to opt into his $27 million player option before making him available in a trade for Antetokounmpo.
Again, Butler may move the needle for Milwaukee, but banking on that could lead to a disastrous outcome on the trade market this summer.
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