The Golden State Warriors are one huge trade away from contender status.
Following a second-round playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Warriors players made it clear that they can still compete in 2025-26 with a Stephen Curry-Jimmy Butler-Draymond Green core. But Golden State needs more.
The Western Conference is loaded, and Curry, Butler, and Green are all past their prime.
But the Warriors have always looked for ways to remain competitive in the Curry era, and that’s not stopping yet.
Rumors are swirling that Golden State’s front office, led by GM Mike Dunleavy Jr., is eyeing a transformative move to pair a superstar with Stephen Curry and reignite title hopes.
Speculation has intensified around Milwaukee Bucks’ two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, whose future with the Bucks remains uncertain amid whispers of a possible trade request.
Could the Greek Freak be wearing a Warriors uniform in October?
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The Bucks would demand a king’s ransom for their franchise cornerstone.
Golden State would have to part with all of their young talent and at least two first-round picks. A potential package would include Jonathan Kuminga (sign-and-trade), Brandin Podziemski, Buddy Hield, Moses Moody, and unprotected first-rounders from 2031 and 2029. This haul would give Milwaukee a blend of immediate contributors and long-term assets while stripping the Warriors of any and all depth.
A newfound Golden State core of Curry, Giannis, Butler, and Draymond would be incredibly exciting, and perhaps the Warriors could piece together scraps to fill out the roster, but from a depth standpoint, it’s ominous, especially with teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder boasting excellent benches.
Ultimately, a Giannis-to-Warriors outcome is improbable.
The San Antonio Spurs could easily outbid Golden State for Giannis if a sweepstakes ensued. The Houston Rockets, armed with Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and multiple top-10 draft picks, could also craft a superior package.
Something crazy would have to happen for the Warriors to land Giannis, such as Antetokounmpo demanding a trade specifically to Golden State.
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