The Giannis Antetokounmpo trade saga had the NBA world buzzing for weeks, and as the deadline drew near, the noise only got louder. Golden State found itself right in the thick of it, emerging as a serious contender to land the two-time MVP. For Warriors fans, it was an emotional roller coaster-every new rumor felt like it could flip the league on its head.
Names like Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler were floated as potential pieces in a blockbuster deal, adding fuel to an already blazing fire. But when the dust settled and the trade deadline passed, Giannis was still in Milwaukee.
No deal. No fireworks.
Just a whole lot of what-ifs.
Now, with the frenzy behind us, we’re getting a clearer picture of just how close things may have come. Draymond Green recently opened up about the behind-the-scenes conversations leading up to the deadline, offering some rare insight into the Warriors’ trade talks. According to Green, he had a candid conversation with Golden State GM Mike Dunleavy.
“We’ve spoke about Giannis, we spoke about what picks we’d send them,” Green said. “We haven’t really talked about the players that would go back yet… but you or Jimmy would have to be in a deal for Giannis.”
That’s a heavy statement. Green’s not just a core piece of the Warriors’ dynasty-he’s been the emotional heartbeat of a team that’s won four titles. Hearing his name come up in a potential trade for Giannis underscores just how serious Golden State was about making a splash.
Still, no move was made. Giannis stays put in Milwaukee, and Green remains in the Bay. But the fact that those talks even reached that level tells you everything about where the Warriors' mindset is right now: they’re not content to fade quietly into the background of a stacked Western Conference.
And speaking of big moves, Golden State didn’t leave the deadline empty-handed. The Warriors pulled off a significant trade, sending Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis. It’s a bold swing-one that could shift the team’s trajectory as they gear up for the playoff push.
Draymond gave his stamp of approval on the Porzingis addition. “I like it,” he said.
“Add more size, more rim protection, more shooting. He was the missing piece to the Boston championship.”
That’s high praise, especially from someone who’s seen firsthand what it takes to win at the highest level. Porzingis brings a unique skill set-he stretches the floor, protects the rim, and gives the Warriors a different look offensively and defensively. It’s the kind of move that signals Golden State isn’t just trying to stay competitive-they’re trying to win now.
As it stands, the Warriors are sitting in the eighth spot in the Western Conference at 28-24. It’s been a season of ups and downs, but the addition of Porzingis could be the jolt this team needs heading into the final stretch.
Next up: a showdown with the Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. With playoff positioning on the line and a new-look roster, expect the Warriors to come out swinging. The Giannis rumors may have fizzled, but the message is clear-Golden State is still in win-now mode, and they’re not afraid to shake things up to get there.