The Golden State Warriors are targeting Giannis Antetokounmpo, and have a potential trade package ready.
Giannis Antetokounmpo seems likely to move at some point in the coming months, whether it is before the February 5 trade deadline or in the offseason.
The Golden State Warriors are often linked to any star player who might be available as they try to remain competitive in the twilight of Steph Curry's career.
Shams Charania of ESPN reported that the Bucks are listening to "aggressive offers" on Giannis ahead of the deadline.
According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, the Warriors can make a "straight up" trade that doesn't need to involve other teams, thanks to the number of draft picks they hold.
With the exception of 2030, the Warriors own all their first-round picks from 2026 to 2032.
Players Involved
Obviously, the Warriors can't trade just draft picks for Giannis.
According to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, the Warriors are willing to offer Jimmy Butler and Jonathan Kuminga as players going the other way.
Butler is out for the season with a torn ACL, but injured players can be traded. Butler's salary would be needed to make the money work in the trade.
Kuminga's name has often appeared in trade rumors dating back to last season as he found himself out of the rotation in Golden State. Kuminga re-signed with the Warriors in the offseason as they couldn't find a trade partner.
Kuminga has continued to express his desire to move on from Golden State as he has yet to find a stable spot in Steve Kerr's rotation this season. He is currently sidelined with a knee injury.
Mannix reiterated that draft picks would be involved alongside Butler and Kuminga.
Golden State of Mind
The Warriors have every reason in the world to make a strong offer for Giannis. With Butler out for the season, the Warriors are treading water in the West. Even with Butler, they were a tier below the likes of Oklahoma City, San Antonio, Denver, Houston, and Minnesota.
They currently sit in eighth in the West, three and a half games up on the Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Clippers, and two games behind the Phoenix Suns. At the moment, they seem destined to be a Play-In team, likely losing in four or five games in the first round.
Add Giannis to the mix? All of a sudden, the Warriors have effectively replaced Butler with an even better and more dominant player. Flaws would remain, but any team with Giannis and Steph puts fear into an opponent.