The Golden State Warriors were previously thought to be out of contention regarding a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, at least by the February 5th deadline, but that has all changed, as the star is ready to leave the Milwaukee Bucks.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Antetokounmpo has thought it over and is ready to begin a new chapter of his career, hopefully before the upcoming trade deadline.
“Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is ready for a new home ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline, as several teams have made aggressive offers to the Milwaukee Bucks, who are starting to listen, league sources told ESPN on Wednesday,” Charania wrote for ESPN.
The Warriors have been one team linked to the superstar, and with the news that he wants out, they could make an aggressive push to pair him with franchise star Stephen Curry.
Warriors Giannis Trade Rumors
Any trade involving Golden State would be difficult, whether it be for Antetokounmpo or not. They still have Jonathan Kuminga on the roster, even though he was previously a shoo-in to be moved before the deadline. The Jimmy Butler injury has complicated things, but for now, they haven’t decided on his fate, regardless of whether staying on the roster is a good idea or not.
Kuminga would almost certainly be included in any potential Anetokounmpo trade. Additionally, while the Warriors previously made it clear they have no plans of moving either Butler or Draymond Green, one would need to be involved if they want to add the Bucks’ superstar.
Along with either Green or Butler, and likely Kuminga, Golden State would have to throw in Buddy Hield, Moses Moody, and/or Brandin Podziemski, all of whom have been rumored to be on the way out, should the Warriors make a move for Trey Murphy, Andrew Wiggins, or any other player of that caliber.
Should they pounce on Antetokounmpo, expect a massive roster overhaul. Yet still, the chance of pairing him next to Curry is hard not at least take a chance on. At this point in the history of the franchise, head coach Steve Kerr’s comments about them being a fading dynasty appear to be true, and their only chance to save that is by doing all they can to add perhaps the biggest trade target in recent NBA memory.
Warriors Injury News
The news of Antetokounmpo now becoming available is likely the biggest story in the league.
But for Golden State, regardless of their chances in a deal to get him, they have some other issues that will need focus on, for the time being.
Most recently, Curry and Green missed their last game against the Minnesota Timberwolves with lingering injuries. Both are listed as probable for their upcoming contest against the Utah Jazz. Gary Payton is also probable with a right calf contusion, while LJ Cyrer remains questionable with a hamstring injury.
Kuminga is still out with a bone bruise in his left knee, and the Warriors have yet to offer an update on any sort of return date. He played in a game and a half before suffering the injury, which came after he was slotted back into the lineup after Butler went down.
Speaking of Butler, he is set to miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL. While him not being out drastically decreases his trade value, the possibility of him being moved can’t be ruled out, especially with Antetokounmpo now on the table.
Seth Curry is also still sidelined with lingering sciatica, with an unknown date for a potential return.
Warriors Get Major Update As Giannis Trade Rumors Are Reignited