The Golden State Warriors are one of a few teams that have been heavily mentioned in Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors over the past few months, and they are expected to be among the top contenders to land the superstar in a deal this offseason by using their upcoming draft pick and other assets to entice the Milwaukee Bucks for their superstar.
However, compared to some other teams around the NBA, the Warriors might not have the best Antetokounmpo trade offer, as they lack young players and an abundance of quality draft picks over the next few years.
Still, the Warriors landed the 11th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and in an Antetokounmpo trade, that pick would be one of the top assets they could offer back to the Bucks. Despite that, according to one insider, it doesn’t appear Golden State wants to give up that pick in a trade, which could close the door on the Greek Freak being moved to the Bay Area.
Warriors Could Keep 11th Draft Pick, Major Impact On Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Rumors
GettyHead coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors reacts during the first half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on December 31, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Speaking on NBA Today, league insider and reporter Marc Spears said that the Warriors could keep the 11th pick in the upcoming draft as they plan for a post-Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Steve Kerr future instead of using that in a trade for Antetokounmpo.
“The Warriors have that 11th pick, and people wonder like ‘Hey, can they get in the Giannis mix?’ From what I’m being told today, from several people, the Warriors (would) like to keep that pick,” Spears said.
That would be a massive decision on Golden State’s part, as while they have a few other picks down the road, if they believe they’ll be in the playoffs over the next few years, the 11th pick could be one of their best assets they have to offer.
Writing for ESPN, Bobby Marks said that the Warriors’ next four first-round picks could get the job done, but with the players they’d have to use to match Antetokounmpo’s contract, there might not be a lot of talent left on the roster.
“The Warriors have the 11th pick in the draft and can trade three additional first-round picks (2028, 2030 top-20 protected and 2032). They are also allowed to swap picks in the next seven years,” he wrote. “The Warriors check the boxes with the ability to trade four firsts. The question for Golden State is what would be left of the roster after an Antetokounmpo trade and whether it could compete for a championship.”
According to Shams Charania, as he’s said in the past, the Warriors are expected to be near the front of the line as it relates to a trade for the Bucks’ superstar. However, most of their trade ideas involve using that 11th pick, and if Golden State doesn’t have plans of moving it before the draft, it mean they are out of the Antetokounmpo trade sweepstakes.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Ideas
Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors talk after a game at Fiserv Forum on January 13, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Writing for Bleacher Report, Andy Bailey offered a trade idea that sees Antetokounmpo go to the Warriors in a package that includes the 11th overall pick.
Golden State Warriors Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Jimmy Butler, the No. 11 pick, a 2029 first-round pick, a 2031 first-round pick and a 2033 first-round pick
Butler and potentially Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, other another one of Golden State’s young players would likely have to be included in an Antetokounmpo trade for the Bucks to be interested in an offer. But if the Warriors can somehow convince Milwaukee to take a deal like this, it would be one of the best-case scenarios for the Warriors.
Additionally, going off the logic of the Warriors needing to include at least one of their young players, Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report offered a similar Antetokounmpo trade idea.
The Golden State Warriors receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Milwaukee Bucks receive: Jimmy Butler, Brandin Podziemski, 2026 1st-rounder, 2027 first-rounder, 2030 protected first-rounder, 2032 protected first-rounder
Outside of moving a majority of their best assets, the Warriors would have to include their 11th pick in the upcoming draft to have a shot at Antetokounmpo. But even if they are willing to part ways with it, there’s no guarantee the Bucks will be on board with whatever the front office is willing to offer.
Still, if Spears is right and Golden State holds onto their pick, they might be out of the Antetokounmpo trade rumors and sweepstakes, as their assets pale in comparison to what other teams are ready to offer for the 2021 Finals MVP.
Warriors Eyeing Massive Decision To Shake Up Giannis Trade Rumors: Insider