Warriors’ Path to Giannis May Be Clearing - But There’s Still a Long Road Ahead
The Golden State Warriors’ hopes of landing Giannis Antetokounmpo just got a little more real - and not just because of what’s happening on the court. A new wave of trade chatter suggests the Warriors might be facing less competition than expected if the Bucks eventually decide to move their two-time MVP.
According to league sources, three teams once thought to be potential players in the Giannis sweepstakes - the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, and Houston Rockets - are now reportedly stepping back from the conversation. These are organizations flush with young assets and cap flexibility, the kind of franchises that could’ve easily built compelling trade packages. But for now, they’re content with what they’ve built and aren’t looking to throw a wrench into their long-term plans.
That’s good news for Golden State. Fewer suitors mean fewer obstacles. And in a league where superstar trades often come down to timing and leverage, this shift could tilt the balance in the Warriors’ favor.
Of course, the Warriors aren’t alone in their interest. The New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and Minnesota Timberwolves are also reportedly monitoring the situation closely. The Knicks, in particular, may hold an edge - they’re believed to be the only team Giannis has specifically shown interest in joining, should he ever seek a change of scenery.
But here’s where it gets interesting for Golden State: they’ve got the draft capital and trade pieces to make a serious offer, especially if Milwaukee shifts into asset-collection mode. If the Bucks prioritize the best return over player preference, the Warriors could very well put together the kind of package that makes the front office in Milwaukee take a long, hard look.
Still, making a deal of this magnitude would come at a cost. Any real offer would likely involve parting with a core veteran - think Draymond Green - to make the salaries work.
That’s not an easy pill to swallow for a franchise that’s built its dynasty on chemistry and continuity. But when a generational talent like Antetokounmpo is potentially in play, everything has to be on the table.
Meanwhile, the situation in Milwaukee is trending in the wrong direction. The Bucks, playing without an injured Giannis, were blown out by 45 points on Sunday by a Brooklyn Nets team that’s been near the bottom of the standings.
That loss dropped Milwaukee to 11-16 on the season and 10th in the Eastern Conference. They’ve now lost 11 of their last 14 - a stretch that’s raised eyebrows around the league and could accelerate internal conversations about the future.
Giannis, for his part, has been nothing short of dominant when healthy. In 17 games this season, he’s averaging 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. He’s shooting a jaw-dropping 63.9% from the field and 43.5% from deep - efficiency numbers that are nearly unheard of for a player with his usage rate and physical style of play.
So while he hasn’t formally requested a trade, the writing might be starting to appear on the wall. And if that moment comes, Golden State wants to be ready - armed with picks, pieces, and now, perhaps, a clearer runway.
The Warriors aren’t in the driver’s seat just yet. But with a few rivals stepping aside and the Bucks spiraling, the road to Giannis might not be quite as crowded as it looked a few weeks ago.