The Warriors took their shot and missed. Fortunately for them, they might get another soon.
Golden State, and every other interested NBA team, officially is out of the running for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, whom the Milwaukee Bucks pulled off the trade market on Thursday ahead of the league’s 12 p.m. PT deadline.
However, the 10-time All-Star reportedly communicated to the Bucks in recent weeks that the time has come for him to move on, whether that was before this season’s trade deadline or in the offseason, so while Milwaukee might not be trading Antetokounmpo this week, it seems likely that a split eventually will happen.
And when it does, the Warriors are hopeful that they once again will be at the center of discussions, The Athletic’s Nick Friedell reported in a story published Thursday.
“The Warriors remain at least somewhat optimistic that if the Bucks don’t move Antetokounmpo by Thursday afternoon’s deadline, there will still be a chance to rekindle talks with the Bucks in the summer,” Friedell wrote.
The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported in a story published Wednesday night, citing team sources, that Golden State’s offer to the Bucks for Antetokounmpo consisted of forwards Draymond Green and Jonathan Kuminga, four first-round draft picks, one first-round swap, and additional salary to match Antetokounmpo’s incoming $54.1 million contract.
After trading Kuminga and guard Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks for center Kristaps Porziņģis late Wednesday night, the Warriors still possess all of their first-round picks heading into Thursday’s deadline and should have a similar war chest available to offer in the offseason.
However, with the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes being pushed to the summer, more potential suitors will be able to jump into the mix, and the superstar, who has a $62.8-million player option for the 2027-28 season, will have more influence on where he goes.
Both of those factors might not bode well for the Warriors’ chances.
Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast