Warriors Insiders Reportedly Downplayed Idea of Being 'Hot' Giannis Trade Landing Spot

Members of the Golden State Warriors organization are reportedly tempering expectations when it comes to the possibility of acquiring Milwaukee Bucks superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo at some point.

Speaking Wednesday on Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective (beginning at the 23:25 mark), ESPN's Anthony Slater said those he has spoken to within the Warriors have "poured cold water" on the idea that they are a "hot Giannis destination."

However, Slater also noted that the Warriors "kind of poured cold water" on the likelihood of acquiring Jimmy Butler as well. Of course, Golden State did go on to land Butler in a trade with the Miami Heat prior to last season's NBA trade deadline.

Back in May, Windhorst (h/t Ali Thanawalla of NBC Sports Bay Area) brought up the possibility of Golden State being a possible landing spot for Antetokounmpo given the young players the Warriors could offer, such as Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga.

Windhorst brought the Warriors up again this week, although he made it clear that it wasn't based on any inside information he received.

Earlier this month, ESPN's Shams Charania reported on what happened between Giannis and the Bucks during the offseason amid heavy trade rumors and speculation.

Charania reported that the New York Knicks were the only team Giannis expressed any interest in, and although talks did occur between the two franchises, nothing came to fruition.

Antetokounmpo ultimately committed to remaining with the Bucks for now, but he left the door open to switch his stance, noting that it would be "human to change his mind," per ESPN's Jamal Collier.

The Warriors are a veteran-laden team that is all in on trying to squeeze one more championship out of the core of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.

Golden State leans heavily on vets such as Butler and Al Horford, and it boasts some promising, young players to round out the roster as well, including Podziemski, Kuminga, Moses Moody and Trayce Jackson-Davis.

Between those young players and draft picks, the Warriors may have what it takes to put together a trade package capable of netting Antetokounmpo, but it would mean going all in on the here and now, and leaving the cupboard barren for the future.

Whether the Warriors even have the opportunity to make that trade will likely depend on how the Bucks start off this season.

Milwaukee lost veteran center Brook Lopez in free agency and waived nine-time All-Star guard Damian Lillard, who is expected to miss most or all of the 2025-26 season due to a torn Achilles.

However, the Bucks did re-sign Bobby Portis, Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Trent Jr. and Taurean Prince, and they signed center Myles Turner away from the Indiana Pacers.

It is unclear if that will be enough to make the Bucks contenders, but since the East looks to be wide open outside of the Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers, it is possible the Bucks could be in the mix.

However, if things go off the rails and Giannis requests a trade, the Warriors would be wise to at least explore it even if they are downplaying it currently.