Why Didn't Warriors Trade for Giannis? Latest NBA Rumors Inside Talks with Bucks
The Golden State Warriors' decision to pivot by trading for Kristaps Porziņģis when they have been mentioned as a possible landing spot for Giannis Antetokounmpo could be related to no one in the NBA having any idea how serious the Milwaukee Bucks are about trading the superstar forward right now.
Per The Athletic's Sam Amick, Nick Friedell and Fred Katz, there was "an extended lack of communication" from the Bucks that left multiple interested teams, including the Warriors, "skeptical" about Antetokounmpo being traded.
ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Wednesday that the Warriors agreed to acquire Porziņģis from the Atlanta Hawks for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield.
Per The Athletic's reporting, the Warriors feel like they can "re-enter the race" in the offseason for Antetokounmpo because the Bucks might be inclined to hold onto him for the remainder of the season before exploring trades again in the summer.
There was some thought that the Warriors could build the best trade package for Antetokounmpo when it became an option that Milwaukee was at least going explore opportunities for the two-time NBA MVP.
Golden State's offer could include four first-round draft picks in 2026, 2028, 2030 and 2032, plus a pick swap in 2031.
One piece of good news for the Warriors is that deal could remain on the table in the summer. More teams can also get involved in the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes after the season when they will have more access to future draft picks.
For example, the Minnesota Timberwolves currently only have a first-round swap in 2028 they can include in a deal. They could include their 2026 and 2033 picks on draft night.
As intriguing as Antetokounmpo to the Warriors would be, the club also has to weigh the risk of giving up draft capital out that far if that's what it takes to get a deal done with Milwaukee.
Stephen Curry will turn 38 on March 14, so he will be 40 when a first-rounder in 2028 conveys. Antetokounmpo would be 35 at the time of the 2030 draft.
If the Warriors are intent on doing all they can to maximize the final years of Curry's career, trading for Antetokounmpo would seem like the easiest way to do so.
Given the amount of risk that comes with building around an aging core, though, the Warriors could set themselves back for years if they have to give up all of their future draft capital to pull off a deal.
One thing that's for certain is this will be a fascinating offseason for the Warriors as they figure out their next steps.
