The Golden State Warriors shook things up in a big way Wednesday night, pulling off a headline-grabbing trade that brought in Kristaps Porzingis - the former Knicks and Celtics big man - in a deal that sent Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks.
Porzingis adds a new dimension to a Warriors squad still trying to find its footing in the Western Conference. His ability to stretch the floor, protect the rim, and operate as a secondary scoring option could be exactly what Golden State needs to retool around Stephen Curry. But even with that move in the books, there’s still chatter that the Warriors might not be done just yet.
Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey floated a bold hypothetical to cap off the trade season: a blockbuster swing for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Now, to be clear, this is pure speculation - not a report of ongoing talks - but it’s the kind of scenario that gets fans and front offices alike thinking about what’s possible when the deadline clock is ticking.
Bailey’s pitch? A massive package that would send Jimmy Butler (yes, the same Butler who’s currently rehabbing from an ACL injury), along with a haul of draft picks - first-rounders in 2026, 2028, 2030, a 2031 pick swap, and a 2032 first - to Milwaukee in exchange for Antetokounmpo.
It’s a swing-for-the-fences kind of deal, and in theory, it makes some sense. Golden State’s future picks, especially once Curry eventually calls it a career, could be extremely valuable. And Butler’s contract could be flipped again down the line, giving Milwaukee some flexibility and long-term assets in return.
But let’s not ignore the timing. Before the Porzingis trade, this kind of move might have made more sense for Golden State.
They were clearly in the market for a game-changing star, and both Butler and Antetokounmpo fit that mold - albeit in different ways. Butler brings grit, leadership, and playoff pedigree.
Giannis? He’s a two-time MVP and a one-man wrecking crew on both ends of the floor.
However, now that Porzingis is in the fold, the calculus changes. The Warriors have already made their big play.
Porzingis gives them a new offensive wrinkle and a defensive anchor, and his skill set complements Curry in a way that could reinvigorate their title hopes. Trying to force another mega-deal, especially one involving multiple future assets and a player recovering from a major injury, feels more like a fantasy than a front-office strategy.
At this point, it’s far more likely the Warriors stand pat before the 3 p.m. trade deadline. They’ve already made a significant move, and keeping their core - including Draymond Green and Butler - intact gives them a chance to build chemistry heading into the stretch run.
Golden State’s front office has never been afraid to take big swings, but with Porzingis now in the mix, the focus may shift from chasing stars to maximizing what they’ve got. And if Porzingis finds his groove in Steve Kerr’s system? The Warriors might have already made the move that matters most.