The Golden State Warriors find themselves at a pivotal crossroads - one that could shape the final chapter of the Stephen Curry era and potentially define the franchise’s next decade. With the Milwaukee Bucks reportedly softening their stance on trading Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Warriors are in the conversation. But here's the catch: any real shot at landing the two-time MVP likely hinges on a tough decision involving Jimmy Butler, and right now, Golden State doesn’t seem ready to make that move.
Butler, who joined the Warriors this season in a blockbuster deal aimed at maximizing the twilight of Curry’s prime, is now sidelined with a torn ACL. The injury not only ends his 2025-26 campaign but also casts a shadow over his availability to start next season. At 36 years old, coming off a major knee injury, Butler’s future is uncertain - and that uncertainty complicates everything.
Still, according to reports, the Warriors are holding firm. Despite Antetokounmpo’s potential availability - and the kind of franchise-altering impact he brings - Golden State is reportedly not including Butler in trade discussions. The organization remains committed to building around Butler and Curry, betting on a full recovery and a return to form next season.
It’s a bold stance. Butler was producing at a high level before the injury - 20 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.4 steals per game on an efficient 51.9% from the field in 38 appearances.
He was playing the kind of two-way basketball that’s become his trademark, offering toughness, leadership, and late-game shot-making. In short, he was doing exactly what the Warriors hoped he would when they brought him in.
But the reality is, if Golden State wants to make a serious play for Antetokounmpo before the trade deadline, they’ll need to put everything on the table - and that likely includes Butler. A package involving Butler, Jonathan Kuminga, four first-round picks, and two pick swaps is the kind of blockbuster deal that might get Milwaukee to the table. But so far, the Warriors haven’t shown a willingness to go that far.
Timing is everything here. While the Bucks are open to exploring trade options, they’re reportedly in no rush.
They could easily wait until the offseason, when more teams can get involved and a bidding war could drive the price even higher. That means if the Warriors want to strike now, they’ll need to be aggressive - and decisive.
Meanwhile, Antetokounmpo is dealing with his own injury issues. A calf strain suffered in a recent home loss to the Nuggets has him on the shelf, though it’s not expected to be a long-term concern.
In 30 games this season, he’s been his usual dominant self - averaging 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game while shooting a staggering 64.5% from the field. He remains one of the most efficient and physically overwhelming forces in the league.
For the Warriors, this is a high-stakes moment. Curry is 37.
The window to chase another title with him at the helm is narrowing. Adding Giannis would be a seismic move - one that could extend that window and potentially usher in a new era of contention.
But it would come at a cost, and right now, that cost may be more than Golden State is willing to pay.
The clock is ticking toward the trade deadline. The Warriors have a decision to make - one that could define their future, for better or worse.