If the Milwaukee Bucks ever decide to put Giannis Antetokounmpo on the trade block, the line of interested teams would stretch around the league. But not all offers are created equal.
Some teams might flash big names or near-term picks, but one franchise that could quietly present a compelling long-term value? The Golden State Warriors.
At first glance, that might raise eyebrows. Golden State isn’t exactly known for its treasure chest of future assets, and with a roster built around aging stars, it’s easy to assume their window is closing. But that’s exactly what makes their future draft picks so intriguing - especially if you're a team like Milwaukee, looking to rebuild from the ground up.
Let’s break it down.
Why the Warriors’ Picks Could Be Gold
Steph Curry is 37. Draymond Green is 36.
Klay Thompson’s best days are behind him. And while Giannis is still elite, he's had his share of injuries lately.
If the Warriors go all-in to pair Giannis with Steph and Draymond for one last title run, it could be spectacular in the short term - but the long-term outlook? That’s where things get interesting for Milwaukee.
Golden State’s picks from 2029 to 2032 could be lottery tickets - and not the scratch-off kind. We’re talking potential top-five picks if the Warriors hit a post-Curry cliff.
That’s the kind of upside Milwaukee would be betting on. It’s not just about the next two or three years; it’s about setting up for the next decade.
The Proposed Deal
Here’s a framework that’s been floated: Giannis heads to Golden State, and in return, Milwaukee gets a package centered around long-term draft capital. Think multiple first-round picks deep into the 2030s, a couple of pick swaps, and some salary-matching players like Kyle Kuzma (or potentially Myles Turner or Bobby Portis, depending on how the deal is structured). The Warriors could also include their 2027 first-rounder in a swap scenario.
So why would Golden State go all-in like this?
Simple. They’re chasing one last ring with Curry - and maybe setting themselves up for life after him.
Pairing Giannis with Steph and Draymond gives the Warriors a legitimate shot at another championship, while also handing the keys to Giannis once Curry eventually calls it a career. It’s a win-now move with a nod to the future.
The Risk-Reward Balance
For the Bucks, this kind of deal isn’t about immediate returns. It’s about patience.
It’s about recognizing that a full-scale rebuild may be the only path forward if Giannis walks out the door. The players coming back in this scenario - Kuzma, Brandin Podziemski, and possibly someone like Butler, who’s recovering from a torn ACL - aren’t going to keep Milwaukee in contention right away.
Podziemski has shown flashes, but hasn’t made a major leap. Butler won’t be available until well into next season.
And Kuzma’s contract? Shedding that could be a financial win in itself.
Jonathan Kuminga could be a swing piece, but his future is still uncertain. If he doesn’t show enough growth, Milwaukee could decline his team option next year. So really, the meat of the deal is those future picks - the ones that could define the Bucks’ next era.
The Long Game
This kind of trade signals a full commitment to the long haul. Milwaukee would be betting that the Warriors, post-Curry and with an aging Giannis, will eventually bottom out. And if that happens, those 2029, 2031, and 2032 picks could turn into franchise-changing assets.
There’s also the potential for a corresponding move: if the Bucks can find a way to reclaim their own future picks, they could dive headfirst into a full rebuild, with the freedom to tank without reservation. But even if that doesn’t happen, locking in Golden State’s future picks gives them a strong foundation to build on.
This isn’t a move for the faint of heart. It’s not flashy in the short term. But for a franchise that may be facing the end of an era, it could be the smartest play on the board - one that prioritizes long-term flexibility, financial breathing room, and a shot at drafting the next face of the franchise.
If the Bucks are ready to turn the page, this kind of deal might just be the way to write their next chapter.