The Golden State Warriors are at a crossroads - and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With the trade deadline looming, the franchise is reportedly eyeing a blockbuster move for Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo.
But here’s the twist: even if they pull off that kind of seismic deal, they want to keep Jimmy Butler in the mix too. That’s a bold vision, and it’s going to require some serious maneuvering.
To make that happen, Golden State would almost certainly have to part ways with one of the pillars of their dynasty: Draymond Green. After nearly 14 years of anchoring the Warriors’ defense, stirring the pot on both ends of the floor, and serving as the emotional heartbeat of the team, Green’s inclusion in a deal for Giannis would mark the end of an era. But it might not stop there.
Fifth-year wing Moses Moody, who’s quietly carved out a critical role in Steve Kerr’s rotation, could also be on the move. And that’s where things get complicated.
Let’s talk numbers. Even if Green and Jonathan Kuminga are packaged together, their combined salaries still fall short of Giannis’ $54.1 million cap hit this season. That means Golden State would need to include another mid-tier contract to balance the books - and that’s where Moody enters the conversation.
Now, the Warriors would love to slide Buddy Hield into that role instead. He’s a veteran shooter with a movable deal.
But Milwaukee is more likely to ask for Moody, who just kicked off a team-friendly three-year, $37.5 million contract. From the Bucks' perspective, that’s a cost-controlled, ascending player who fits their long-term timeline.
And Moody’s not just a throw-in. He’s been quietly excellent lately.
In January, he averaged 11.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, and nearly a steal per game. But the real eye-opener?
He shot a scorching 46.7% from three on nearly six attempts per night. That’s elite spacing - exactly what you want around a player like Giannis, who thrives with shooters around him to punish collapsing defenses.
If the Warriors do land Antetokounmpo, Moody would’ve been a perfect fit alongside him. His floor-spacing, off-ball movement, and improving defensive instincts would complement Giannis’ downhill dominance beautifully. In fact, Moody could’ve become even more important in a post-Giannis trade world, especially if the roster is thinned out to make the deal happen.
But that’s the price of going all-in. A trade of this magnitude wouldn’t just cost future draft picks - it could strip Golden State of nearly all their most promising young talent.
Kuminga, Moody, Brandin Podziemski, even rookie Will Richard - all could be on the table. Richard, last year’s 56th overall pick, is on a team-friendly rookie deal for the next three seasons, and that kind of value matters when you’re building around a max-salary superstar.
It’s a bit of cruel timing for Moody. After a few years of inconsistent minutes and rotational uncertainty, he’s finally found his footing.
He’s become a reliable contributor, someone Kerr can trust on both ends. And now, just as he’s hitting his stride, he might be on his way out.
That’s the nature of the NBA, especially for a team like the Warriors - trying to extend a dynasty while building for the future. If they want to swing for the fences with a Giannis trade and still keep Butler in the fold, they’re going to have to make some tough choices. And Moses Moody might be one of them.