The Golden State Warriors were hoping to land a top-four draft pick. In the lottery, they had a 9.4 percent chance to jump ahead. While three teams moved up, the Warriors were not one of them. They ended up with the 11th overall pick.
It’s no secret that the Warriors are looking to make a big trade this offseason. They are one of the teams that are hoping to make a play for Giannis Antetokounmpo. He is the big fish that is available for teams that are looking for a superstar player.
A proposed trade from Bleacher Report sees Golden State flip this lottery pick as part of a package for Antetokounmpo.
GettyMilwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo drives the ball. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Warriors Add Lottery Pick in Proposed Trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo
Here is the full trade idea:
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
Because the pick didn’t move up in the lottery, Golden State would have to add a fourth first-round pick to make it enticing for the Bucks to make a move. Had the pick been a top-four pick, Golden State might have been able to keep a first-round pick.
Instead, this is the combination of draft picks that would make things attractive for the Bucks to move Antetokounmpo. The picks have to be down the line, as Golden State likely will stink once Stephen Curry decides to retire. Once that happens, Golden State draft picks will become very valuable.
The Warriors still might not have the most attractive proposal for Antetokounmpo. There are other teams that can offer a package that has younger players involved in addition to draft picks. Golden State might have to sprinkle in some more players to make this deal work.
GettyGolden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr looks on during a game. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Golden State Has Some Clarity Moving Forward
Now that the Warriors have signed Steve Kerr, they have some clarity moving forward. It looks like Kerr will be around as long as Curry is, which means they will be going for it for a couple of years. That means they will certainly be making a big move in the offseason.
If they fail to land Antetokounmpo, Golden State will likely pivot to Kawhi Leonard as the next possible trade target. LeBron James could be pursued, as well. The Warriors will not be deterred when it comes to bringing in a superstar player, even if it is an older superstar.
This season, the Warriors finished the regular season with the 19th-ranked offense in the league. Getting a superstar that can help them improve that number is something they are desperately looking for. Had they moved up in the lottery, their options would have opened up on that front.
As it stands, Golden State is likely making calls to try to make some moves before the NBA Draft.
The Warriors Trade Lottery Pick for Superstar in Proposed Trade