As the NBA trade deadline looms on February 5, the Golden State Warriors find themselves in a familiar spot-on the fence between making a big move now or playing the long game. And once again, the name at the center of that hesitation is Giannis Antetokounmpo.
While the two-time MVP isn’t expected to be on the move before the deadline, the uncertainty surrounding his future in Milwaukee continues to cast a long shadow over the league-and especially over Golden State’s front office. The Bucks, sitting at 17-24 and 11th in the Eastern Conference, are struggling to find traction this season. And while a midseason trade involving Giannis is a long shot, the writing on the wall suggests the conversation could heat up again once we hit the offseason.
That looming possibility is shaping how teams-particularly the Warriors-approach the next few weeks.
Golden State has been linked to Antetokounmpo for years, and the mere idea of him becoming available this summer is enough to give the Warriors pause. The message is clear: don’t burn through assets now that you might need later if Giannis actually hits the market.
And that’s where things get tricky. The Warriors are in a tough spot-still clinging to their championship core, but clearly needing a spark to stay competitive in a deep Western Conference. Trading for a big-name player could help them right the ship this season, but that kind of move would likely cost them the draft capital they’ve been carefully stockpiling.
So, what’s the middle ground?
Golden State may look to explore smaller-scale trades that keep their long-term flexibility intact. That could mean putting Jonathan Kuminga on the table-though only in a deal that doesn't mortgage their future.
Think more along the lines of a player like Trey Murphy III than a full-blown superstar. They might also be willing to part with this year’s first-round pick, similar to what they were prepared to do in the Jimmy Butler talks a year ago.
But unless a truly game-changing player becomes available, don’t expect the Warriors to go all-in before the deadline. They’re keeping their powder dry, and Giannis is the reason why.
That strategy may not sit well with every Warriors fan. After all, the team’s lack of aggressiveness has been a point of frustration, especially as the current roster struggles to find consistency. But from the front office’s perspective, it’s about keeping the door open for a potential franchise-altering move this summer.
If Milwaukee were rolling right now-say, sitting at 24-17 instead of the other way around-Golden State might feel more comfortable pulling the trigger on a bigger trade. But with the Bucks floundering and Giannis’ future still cloudy, the Warriors are choosing patience over panic.
It’s a calculated move, one that reflects both the uncertainty in Milwaukee and the high stakes in the Bay Area. The Warriors aren’t just thinking about February-they’re thinking about July. And in a league where one player can shift the balance of power, it’s hard to blame them.