Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee is officially in question - and the Golden State Warriors are wasting no time throwing their hat into the ring.
According to multiple reports, the Warriors are “serious” about making a run at the two-time MVP. Despite Antetokounmpo currently sidelined with a calf strain and no clear timetable for return, Golden State appears undeterred. The front office is reportedly ready to push forward with a substantial trade offer, signaling just how high they value the Greek Freak’s potential impact.
But as with any blockbuster pursuit, there are layers to peel back - and not everyone is sold on the fit.
Can Giannis Thrive in Golden State’s System?
On Thursday’s episode of Run It Back on FanDuel TV, former Warriors big man DeMarcus Cousins raised a fair question: How exactly would Giannis fit in Steve Kerr’s motion-heavy, spacing-first system?
“You think about the fit next to Draymond, how that works, trying to figure out that dynamic,” Cousins said. “And then you also have to consider Steve Kerr. Is he even the right guy to coach a talent like Giannis?”
Cousins didn’t stop there. He pointed to Kerr’s coaching style - one that emphasizes ball movement, off-ball cutting, and read-and-react principles - and questioned whether Giannis, a dominant downhill force who thrives with the ball in his hands, would mesh with that philosophy.
“As far as his system goes, this isn’t a guy that’s shown throughout his history to really tweak his system,” Cousins added. “It’s more so, you have to come in and fit the system. I don’t necessarily know if Giannis is the perfect fit for that system.”
It’s a valid concern. Kerr’s offense has historically leaned on perimeter creators - think Curry, Thompson, and Durant - and spacing the floor to open up lanes.
Giannis, for all his brilliance, isn’t a natural floor spacer. His elite skill set is built around power, transition dominance, and rim pressure.
Pairing him with Draymond Green, another non-shooter, could create spacing challenges unless the coaching staff is willing to rework the offensive blueprint.
Cousins: Knicks Might Be a Better Fit
Cousins went a step further, suggesting that the New York Knicks - not the Warriors - might be a better on-court fit for Antetokounmpo. While he didn’t dive into specifics, the implication is clear: a team that can build around Giannis’ strengths, rather than fit him into a pre-existing mold, may offer a better path to success.
Still, that hasn’t stopped the Warriors from being aggressive in their pursuit.
Steph Curry Stays Focused Amid the Noise
Following Golden State’s 140-124 win over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, Steph Curry was asked about the swirling Giannis rumors. Unsurprisingly, the 12-time All-Star kept things grounded.
“I don’t ever get into hypotheticals,” Curry said. “It’s a waste of time.
It’s a waste of energy. It’s not my job to do that.”
That’s classic Steph - focused on the task at hand, not the what-ifs. But make no mistake, if Golden State is truly in the mix for Giannis, it’s a signal they’re still chasing championships in the Curry era.
What Could the Warriors Offer?
So, what does Golden State have that might entice Milwaukee?
According to reports, the Warriors could put together one of the most competitive trade packages on the table. That includes up to four future first-round picks - unprotected in 2026, 2028, and 2032 - plus a 2030 first-rounder that becomes unprotected if it falls within the top 20.
That’s a significant haul in draft capital. But the real intrigue lies in the young talent they could include.
The Warriors have a trio of promising pieces: forward Jonathan Kuminga, who’s shown flashes of two-way potential; rookie guard Brandin Podziemski, who’s quickly gaining attention for his feel and shooting; and veteran star Jimmy Butler. While Butler is currently recovering from a season-ending ACL injury, his salary would be necessary to make the deal work financially.
Now, Butler’s name in the mix may raise some eyebrows - after all, he’s not a Warrior and is currently out. But in trade mechanics, sometimes it’s about matching salaries and long-term flexibility, not just on-court availability.
Bottom Line
The Warriors are clearly not content with standing pat. Even with Curry still playing at an elite level, Golden State knows the window won’t stay open forever. A move for Giannis would be seismic - not just for the Warriors, but for the entire league.
The question now is whether Milwaukee’s front office is ready to listen - and if Golden State is truly willing to go all-in on a generational talent who may or may not fit their system as currently constructed.
But one thing’s for sure: when a name like Giannis Antetokounmpo hits the trade rumor mill, the NBA landscape shifts. And in Golden State, the tremors are already being felt.