The Golden State Warriors are the leaders in the clubhouse to make a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo before the February 5th NBA trade deadline, currently beating out the New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, and others for the Milwaukee Bucks‘ superstar.
However, while a trade in the next few days for Antetokounmpo would almost certainly come at the hands of Golden State, sending out a massive haul for the two-time MVP isn’t so simple. The Warriors would have to move a ton of assets, including all of their available draft picks, and go back on their word that they wouldn’t trade the injured Jimmy Butler, who would have to be included in a deal with the Bucks.
But if the Warriors had to move Butler, Jonathan Kuminga, and its other assets anyway, why not do everything they can to land Antetokounmpo? The only untouchable player on their roster appears to be Stephen Curry, as a new report from Brett Siegel indicates they haven’t ruled out moving Draymond Green, if Milwaukee is willing to take him back.
“One rival executive who has dealt with the Warriors before in trade talks spoke with ClutchPoints on Sunday and brought up the interesting
So, with the potential of Curry and Antetokounmpo, Golden State should be considered title contenders, at least more than they are now. If they are really willing to do whatever is possible to land the hottest trade commodity in recent NBA memory, they should go ‘scorched earth’ to get him, and that’s exactly what they do in the newest trade idea.
Warriors Land Giannis In Wild Three-Team Trade Idea
Moving Green to pair Curry with Antetokounmpo would be a difficult move for the Warriors’ front office to make, but that’s the reality they are currently faced with. He was key in their push to four NBA titles, but at this point in his career, he isn’t close to his prime self. If Golden State is serious about putting a championship-contending roster around their current superstar in the final stage of his career, perhaps moving Green and Butler, as tough as it may be, is the right move.
Writing for CBS Sports, Sam Quinn offered up a three-team trade idea that would both drastically change the Warriors roster, as well as the future of the league as a whole. Sit down for this one, it’s a doozie:
Golden State Warriors receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anfernee Simons, Kyle Kuzma, Bobby Portis, Xavier Tillman
Boston Celtics receive: Draymond Green, Al Horford, 2027 first-round swap rights (via Warriors)
Milwaukee Bucks receive: Jimmy Butler, Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield, Brandin Podziemski, Chris Boucher, Will Richard, five first-round picks (2026 via Celtics, 2026 via Warriors, 2028 via Warriors, 2030 via Warriors protected 21-30, 2032 via Warriors), 2031 first-round swap rights (via Warriors)
On the surface, the Warriors get the grand prize in Antetokounmpo, while surrounding Curry with some talented players that could offer a refresher from their current roster. On the Celtics, Simons is playing, and more importantly, shooting well this season, and he could be an upgrade from either Hield or Podziemski in the backcourt next to Curry. Kuzma and Portis would also add shooting and much-needed size, while Tillman likely would be the new starting center.
This trade would involve cutting ties with Butler and Green, which would almost certainly require Curry to sign off on. However, the idea of moving Kuminga, Hield, Podziemski, and Richard wouldn’t be a major surprise. With the lack of minutes and overall poor performances by Horford this season, perhaps Boston would take him back to end his career where he won his lone title.
Outside of adding Antetokounmpo, this idea might not drastically upgrade the rest of the Warriors’ roster, but as mentioned, their current squad isn’t getting the job done, so perhaps a major change like this could help. But overall, Golden State’s only trade hopes this season involve the Greek star, and even if it means losing Butler and Green, they shouldn’t rule a deal like this out.
Why The Boston And Milwaukee Make This Trade With The Warriors
From the Warriors perspective, it’s clear why they do this. However, from the sides of the two other teams, there might need to be some explanation as to why they’d be involved.
For the Bucks, they would get back some solid talent, along with a massive haul of draft picks. They’d lose out on Kuzma and Portis, but they’ve already been reported to be shopping both anyway. If they are ready for a full rebuild, they might want a roster overhaul anyway, moving on from the players from the Antetokounmpo era in Milwaukee.
They’d be set up for the future, and if they have strong talent development, fully resetting in this trade idea should at least be considered. Antetokounmpo is ready to move on, so the Bucks might as well get everything they can out of the Warriors for their star.
“To this point, the Bucks have not declined the Warriors’ offer, sources said. Horst and Milwaukee’s front
On the Celtics side of things, their involvement is a lot less likely, but shouldn’t be ruled out, especially considering what they’d get back in this trade. A Jayson Tatum return is still uncertain, but if he does come back, pairing Green with their current roster could be a great addition. They are already interested in trading for a defensive-minded big man, and he could be a solid piece to add in the final few years of his career.
They are also reportedly shopping Simons, so getting back Green and Horford for the player they were already expected to move on from wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.
Though this trade idea is likely a stretch for all three teams involved, after the Luka Doncic trade, nothing that is within the realm of possibility should be ruled out at the NBA trade deadline.
The Warriors are expected to do everything they can to land Antetokounmpo, so even if that means trading Butler, Green, and the rest of their assets for a roster overhaul, it might as well be considered, especially if it means at least one more title with Curry.
Warriors Land Giannis Antetokounmpo In NBA-Altering Mega Trade Idea