The Golden State Warriors didn’t get the headline they were hoping for over the weekend when Giannis Antetokounmpo reaffirmed his commitment to the Milwaukee Bucks. Speaking with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, the two-time MVP made it clear he’s still all-in on the franchise he helped lead to a championship in 2021, despite the swirling trade rumors. For now, it looks like Giannis isn’t going anywhere.
But that doesn’t mean the Warriors are out of the picture just yet.
On Monday, a new layer of intrigue emerged that should give Golden State fans a reason to stay tuned. According to salary cap expert Yossi Gozlan, the Warriors have a legitimate path to making a run at Antetokounmpo this offseason-if the door opens.
Here’s the key: the contracts of Kristaps Porziņģis and Draymond Green. Both players are eligible for extensions that could be structured in a way to keep them trade-eligible heading into the summer. That matters, because if Golden State wants to chase a superstar like Giannis-who’s set to earn $58.5 million next season-they’ll need to match that salary in any potential deal.
Gozlan notes that by adjusting the first-year salaries of Porziņģis and Green, the Warriors could combine their contracts to meet the financial requirements of trading for a max-level player. In other words, the pieces are there. It’s just a matter of whether the Bucks-and Giannis-are willing to entertain the idea.
Now, let’s be real: this wouldn’t be an easy move for the Warriors. Draymond Green isn’t just a player; he’s a foundational piece of their dynasty.
His defensive IQ, leadership, and chemistry with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have defined the Warriors’ identity for over a decade. Porziņģis, meanwhile, has added a much-needed interior presence and floor spacing to the frontcourt.
Losing both would be a major shake-up.
But if Giannis becomes available? That’s the kind of opportunity you don’t pass up.
Antetokounmpo is a generational talent-an MVP-caliber force on both ends of the floor who could extend Golden State’s championship window and usher in a new era of title contention. His versatility, motor, and ability to dominate in transition would fit beautifully in Steve Kerr’s system, especially alongside a still-elite Stephen Curry.
Of course, all of this hinges on one major variable: Giannis himself. As long as he’s content in Milwaukee, the Bucks hold all the cards. But if that changes-if the Bucks stumble in the playoffs or if Giannis begins to question the franchise’s direction-the Warriors are one of the few teams equipped to make a serious run.
So while the message from Giannis was one of loyalty, the message for Golden State is clear: stay ready. Because the pieces are in place, and if the opportunity presents itself, the Warriors could be poised to make one of the boldest moves in franchise history.