Giannis Watch: Could the Warriors Hit Pause on Trade Plans for a Bigger Prize?
The Golden State Warriors are no strangers to bold moves. With Jonathan Kuminga set to become trade-eligible on January 15, the front office-led by Mike Dunleavy Jr.-has likely been mapping out potential targets to bolster a roster still centered around Stephen Curry. But just when it looked like the Warriors might be gearing up for another midseason swing, Giannis Antetokounmpo may have thrown the entire blueprint into question.
The two-time MVP sparked fresh speculation this week after scrubbing nearly all Milwaukee Bucks-related content from his Instagram-leaving only his championship and NBA Cup posts intact. It’s the kind of social media move that gets the league buzzing, especially when it comes on the heels of a crushing loss to the Washington Wizards. That defeat dropped the Bucks to 9-13, a record that’s raised eyebrows and questions about their trajectory.
Now, Golden State finds itself in a familiar position: weighing the value of potential moves against the mere possibility-however slim-of landing a generational talent like Giannis.
The Dream Scenario: Giannis and Steph
Let’s be clear: Giannis Antetokounmpo has long been the white whale for the Warriors. The idea of pairing him with Curry isn’t just a fantasy-it’s the type of vision that could define a new era in the Bay.
Think Curry-Durant 2.0, but with a different kind of dominance. The Greek Freak’s combination of size, athleticism, and two-way impact would mesh beautifully with the Warriors’ motion-heavy system and Curry’s gravitational pull on offense.
That’s why, even with Kuminga’s trade eligibility opening the door to more realistic, near-term upgrades, the Warriors may hesitate. If there’s even a sliver of a chance Giannis becomes available, do you pull the trigger on a smaller deal-or do you hold your assets, keep your powder dry, and stay ready for a once-in-a-generation opportunity?
The Jimmy Butler Factor
Golden State already made one big move earlier this year, landing Jimmy Butler in a February blockbuster. But even that deal was relatively conservative in terms of draft capital-they gave up a 2025 first-round pick with top-10 protection. The Heat didn’t get the kind of haul they might have demanded if Butler hadn’t tanked his own trade value with his exit from Miami.
Now, Butler’s presence adds another layer to the Giannis conversation. His contract could help match salaries in a potential deal, should the Bucks ever entertain trade talks.
Trading a six-time All-Star who’s been a key contributor since arriving in San Francisco isn’t on the table right now-but if Giannis becomes a real possibility? Everything changes.
The Waiting Game
This is the dilemma the Warriors face, and it’s one they’ve been staring down for the past few seasons: Do you cash in your chips now for a solid upgrade, or wait for a superstar to shake loose?
It’s a high-wire act. The longer you wait, the more you risk missing out on impactful moves that could help in the short term. But if you jump too soon, you might not have the assets when the big fish actually hits the market.
That’s the tension hanging over Golden State’s front office as the calendar turns toward mid-January. The trade market will start to heat up, and the Warriors will be in position to make moves.
But if Giannis is even remotely in play, expect them to be cautious. Because when a player of his caliber even hints at being unsettled, you don’t just monitor the situation-you prepare for it.
And for the Warriors, preparation could mean putting every other plan on hold.