Just when it seemed like the Warriors’ era was winding down, an unexpected twist appeared.
This comes in the shape of Giannis Antetokounmpo, a towering 6-foot-11, 243-pound player, who is on the verge of being traded for the first time since being selected 15th overall by Milwaukee in 2013.
Picture this: Antetokounmpo making his signature moves in the Finals while Stephen Curry is draining shots from beyond the arc. It creates an almost unsolvable dilemma for defenders. If they collapse on Antetokounmpo, Curry finds his rhythm. But if they double-team Curry? Well, Antetokounmpo takes full advantage.
If the Warriors manage to land Antetokounmpo before the trade deadline, it could completely reshape their fortunes. Since winning four championships in eight years from 2015 to 2022, they’ve struggled, especially since Jimmy Butler’s injury on January 19.
The Knicks, Heat, and Timberwolves are also in the running, but no team possesses as much draft capital as the Warriors.
Right now, Golden State seems to be winning the race for Antetokounmpo, offering a more enticing package than anyone else. This includes players like Jimmy Butler and Jonathan Kuminga, plus four first-round picks in 2026, 2028, 2030, and 2032, along with a first-round exchange for 2031.
This deal could mark a fresh start for both teams.
Milwaukee has done everything possible to support Antetokounmpo, who led them to a championship in 2021, including a major trade for Damian Lillard in 2023. Sadly, injuries derailed those plans. Lillard, who suffered a torn Achilles tendon, was let go last July and has returned to Portland.
This season has been rough for the Bucks, who currently hold the 12th spot in the Eastern Conference with an 18-28 record. Earlier this month, fans expressed their frustrations, booing the team at halftime when they were down by 31 points against a depleted Minnesota squad. Antetokounmpo received boos late in the game, a tough reality for a star player who has seen such a dramatic shift in fan sentiment.
While Antetokounmpo hasn’t explicitly asked for a trade, the team’s struggles and his potential free agency in the summer of 2027 add to the tension. If he declines his player option worth $62.8 million, he could be on his way out.
The question is whether Milwaukee will act before the February 5 trade deadline or hold off until June. If they wait, they might see an even better offer after the lottery. This could create more competition for Antetokounmpo, who wasn’t originally drafted by the Warriors.
However, if the Bucks decide to pull the trigger now, it could transform Golden State immediately.
Curry, at 37 years old, is still performing at a high level, averaging 27.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists for the Warriors, who currently sit in eighth place in the Western Division with a 27-22 record.
After Butler’s absence impacted the team, Golden State managed to win nine out of 12 games leading up to this point, but has stumbled in recent outings. The clock is ticking for Curry to secure a fifth championship, and his window for meaningful playing time may be closing fast unless the team turns things around quickly.
If the Warriors can acquire Antetokounmpo, they’d be serious contenders for another title.
Curry, Antetokounmpo, and Draymond Green would create a formidable trio. They’re all experienced champions, so building chemistry should be relatively quick, even with Antetokounmpo sidelined for four to six weeks due to a calf injury and not expected back until March. This doesn’t exclude the Warriors from being a significant threat this season.
On the other side, the Bucks might need to shift their focus towards rebuilding, especially if they accumulate several first-round picks in a potential trade.
It’s uncertain how Milwaukee will respond, but this situation could be an exciting turning point, particularly for Golden State, which has risen from past challenges. After losing Kevin Durant and facing multiple player injuries, the Warriors seemed to be at the end of their road. Yet, they bounced back to win a championship in 2022.
Just recently, some analysts were once again declaring the end for the Warriors. If they successfully trade for Antetokounmpo, those predictions might need to be reconsidered.
