The Golden State Warriors are in a fascinating - and precarious - position as the NBA trade deadline looms. With Giannis Antetokounmpo suddenly more attainable than he’s ever been, the Warriors have a rare opportunity to pursue one of the league’s most dominant forces.
But there’s a catch - and it’s a big one. Any serious push for Giannis would almost certainly have to include Jimmy Butler, and right now, that’s a road Golden State doesn’t seem ready to go down.
Butler, who tore his ACL earlier this month, is officially done for the 2025-26 season. The injury not only sidelines him for the foreseeable future, but it also clouds the Warriors’ short-term title hopes - and raises real questions about the long-term outlook for Stephen Curry, now 37 and still carrying a heavy load.
Despite the setback, the Warriors reportedly remain committed to Butler, both as a player and as a cornerstone of their identity alongside Curry. According to league sources, Golden State has shown no interest in including Butler’s $54 million salary in any trade talks - even with a generational talent like Antetokounmpo potentially in play.
That’s a bold stance, especially considering the Bucks are showing signs of softening their grip on Giannis. Milwaukee isn’t actively shopping him just yet, but they’re no longer shutting down conversations either. The front office appears willing to wait until the offseason to gauge the full market - a move that could spark a full-scale bidding war among contenders.
Still, if the Warriors want to make a serious run at Giannis before the trade deadline, the path forward is clear - and costly. The most realistic package would involve Butler, rising forward Jonathan Kuminga, four first-round picks, and two pick swaps. That’s a blockbuster deal by any standard, but it might be the only way to pry Antetokounmpo out of Milwaukee before the summer.
And let’s not forget: Giannis isn’t exactly at full strength himself. The two-time MVP strained his calf in a recent loss to the Nuggets and is expected to miss time.
Even so, his production this season has been elite - 28 points, 10 boards, and 5.6 assists per game on a jaw-dropping 64.5% shooting. Injured or not, he remains one of the most efficient and physically overwhelming players in the league.
So, where does that leave Golden State?
They’re trying to thread a very fine needle: remain loyal to Butler, preserve their future assets, and still find a way to stay relevant in a Western Conference that’s only getting tougher. The front office seems to believe Butler will return next season at full strength, ready to rejoin Curry and make one more run. But time isn’t exactly on their side.
If the Warriors stand pat, they’re betting big on internal growth and a healthy Butler-Curry duo in 2026-27. If they pivot and go all-in on Giannis, they’re mortgaging a chunk of their future and parting with two major pieces - one of whom may not even see the floor again until next fall.
It’s a high-stakes decision, and the clock is ticking.