The NBA trade deadline is just days away, and the biggest name floating around the rumor mill is none other than Giannis Antetokounmpo. While the odds of a blockbuster deal going down before February 5 remain uncertain, the chatter surrounding the two-time MVP is heating up. And if there’s one thing we know about the NBA this time of year-it only takes one phone call to change everything.
Golden State in the Giannis Sweepstakes?
Let’s start with the team that’s quickly becoming the most intriguing potential landing spot: the Golden State Warriors. Long thought to be a franchise that would keep its championship core intact, the Warriors are reportedly willing to break form if it means landing Antetokounmpo. And yes, that includes Draymond Green.
According to NBC Sports’ Monte Poole, the only untouchable in the Bay Area is Steph Curry. Everyone else?
On the table. That includes Green, the heart and soul of Golden State’s defense and a player who’s been instrumental in their dynasty run.
It’s a surprising shift in tone for a franchise that’s long valued continuity, but when Giannis is in play, the stakes change.
Green himself doesn’t seem fazed by the rumors. Speaking with Anthony Slater, he delivered a classic Draymond response: “I’ve been here for 14 years.
I have no reason to sit and worry about leaving. But if I’m traded, that’s part of the business… I ain’t losing no sleep though.
I slept great last night.”
That’s vintage Draymond-unbothered, unfiltered, and fully aware of how the league works. He’s been through the wars, and he knows this is just part of the ride.
As for Jimmy Butler, who was previously considered a potential salary match in a Giannis deal? He’s reportedly unlikely to be involved. Butler is recovering from a torn ACL and isn’t expected back until midway through next season, making him a tough piece to move right now.
Portland Makes a Call
If you’re looking for a dark horse in the Giannis sweepstakes, look north to Portland. The Trail Blazers have reportedly reached out to Milwaukee to express interest in a trade for Antetokounmpo.
Yes, it’s a long shot. Yes, they know it.
But they’re making the call anyway.
Portland doesn’t exactly scream “title contender,” even with Giannis in the mix. This isn’t a Toronto-Kawhi situation, where the Raptors were already a 50-win team with playoff pedigree. Still, the Blazers seem to be taking a page from that same playbook-swing big, hope for magic, and maybe convince the superstar to stick around.
What makes Portland interesting is that they already control some of Milwaukee’s future draft picks. That could give them leverage, either as a direct trade partner or as a third team helping facilitate a deal that sends Giannis elsewhere-possibly to a team like the Knicks.
But according to reports, Portland would prefer to take the swing themselves. It’s a bold move, but when a generational talent is potentially on the market, bold is the only way to play it.
Will a Deal Happen Before the Deadline?
Here’s the million-dollar question: Will Giannis actually be traded before the deadline?
The consensus around the league seems to be leaning toward no. Multiple sources suggest this saga is more likely to stretch into the offseason, when Milwaukee can offer Giannis a contract extension and more teams might feel emboldened to enter the mix. But not everyone is convinced it’ll wait that long.
On a recent appearance on NBA on Prime, The Ringer’s Zach Lowe pegged the odds at “a coin flip.” He pointed out that once these kinds of trade talks go public, things can escalate quickly. Teams begin to feel the pressure, offers get more aggressive, and front offices start to wonder if waiting might mean missing out.
Right now, the Bucks are in what Lowe called “digest mode.” They’re not actively shopping Giannis, but they’re listening.
Teams are lining up, trying to figure out if Milwaukee is serious or just testing the waters. The Bucks, meanwhile, are waiting to see if someone comes forward with an offer they can’t ignore.
The smart bet is still on this being a summer storyline, especially with that looming contract extension. But in the NBA, momentum is everything. Once the gears start turning, it doesn’t take long for a rumor to become reality.
So buckle up. Whether Giannis moves now or later, the next few days are going to be a wild ride.