Many factors will go into any trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but among realistic suitors, the Warriors could have the cleanest path to putting together a compelling trade package, writes ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
Marks looks at 11 teams who could potentially make a move for the Bucks’ star. Among those 11, he has the Warriors and Pistons tied for the lowest degree of difficulty in terms of making an enticing offer due to the two teams’ combination of young players, salary-matching contracts, and available draft picks.
He notes that Jimmy Butler‘s two-year, $111MM contract would be required in any deal for Antetokounmpo, and that the Warriors could then include Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, four first-round picks (including one in this year’s loaded draft) and up to three pick swaps. Such a deal would require taking back either Bobby Portis or Kyle Kuzma, whom the Bucks would likely be interested in moving off.
While Antetokounmpo’s preference will likely come into play in any deal, the number of picks the Warriors can offer should appeal to the Bucks. By comparison the Heat can only offer two first-rounders starting in 2030, while the Knicks can’t trade a first-round selection until the offseason outside of a protected Wizards 2026 pick that is unlikely to convey.
We have more from around the Pacific Division:
- LeBron James is almost certain to stay with the Lakers through this trade deadline, but some in his circle have speculated he could play another season in the NBA somewhere outside of Los Angeles, reports Shams Charania for ESPN (YouTube video link). “If he does actually play one more season, there is definitely chatter,” Sharania said. “Where could that be? Could that be in Cleveland? Where could that be? Could it be back in L.A.?” Charania emphasized that James’ focus at present is playing out the year with the Lakers, who will be active trying to improve the team at the trade deadline.
- With Patrick Baldwin Jr.‘s 10-day deal having expired, the under-15 clock is back on for the Clippers, notes Spotrac’s Keith Smith (via Twitter). This rule prevents a team from having its two-way players active for more than 90 combined games while carrying fewer than 15 players on its standard roster. Unless the team re-adds a 15th man, Los Angeles has just five more games in which both Kobe Sanders and Jordan Miller can be active. Converting one of the two of them to a standard contract after the trade deadline could solve the issue, with Miller looking the more likely candidate for a promotion. The third-year wing has averaged 14.3 points in 28.5 minutes per game over his last 10 games.
- A technical foul that Dillon Brooks received in the second quarter of Tuesday’s game between the Suns and Nets, the NBA announced (Twitter link). This puts Brooks at a league-leading 14 technicals for the season, one ahead of the Lakers’ Luka Doncic, which means he’s still two techs away from a one-game suspension.
Well, if the Warriors want to give up the entire franchise, then they could acquire the Greek freak.
The question is, would that be a smart move? Would that handicap the franchise for five years or would it actually be the makings of a championship contender for five years?
Feels like regardless the next five years are moot anyways. Why not take a chance?
Although they’d probably need to attach that 2032 pick lol
i hope they don’t. 1 injury and they are a horrible team.
It’s a really tough situation because the warriors have 2 roads at this point, either ride out Steph on bad teams like what happened with Kobe or try to give Steph a chance at one more ring
I personally think the warriors as an organization think they owe it to Steph to put a competitive team around him
Lmao, Giannis to warriors will get hits. Very unrealistic. Does ESPN do mandatory drugs and alcohol testing on employees. Might be time to start. Random drug and alcohol testing couldn’t hurt either.
This will be hilarious.
So you plug in the Greek freak with old curry, old Graymond, old Horford, plus scrubs like Moody Hield Richard Santos.
I see that scenario as a contender for this year then maybe next year but definitely not five years.
I would be against giving up pics 5 years into the future like that just for two years of championship contention.
These pic swaps are hardly all in either. Nothing guaranteed with that.
Meanwhile…..Spurs. Vessel, Harper, Castle, insert required firsts.
Harper, Castle, Sochan, Johnson, insert picks for Giannis and Thannasis.
Fox, Vessel, Barnes, Giannis and Wemby. GOOD LORD.
I’m not even sure they contend this year with that team. The top teams in the west, OKC, DEN, HOU, and SAS are talented and deep.
Personally, I’d rather trade Kuminga and the scrubs plus maybe a first round pick or two for a stud or two that would also contend for the next two years.
Then year three warriors still have their future pics and the rebuild begins. Their future is not mortgaged in a massive way.