The Golden State Warriors’ long-shot hopes of prying Giannis Antetokounmpo away from Milwaukee took a hit this week.
The two-time MVP’s older brother, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, agreed to return to the Bucks on a guaranteed one-year, $2.9 million contract, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported. The deal is widely viewed as another signal that Giannis intends to remain in Milwaukee, at least in the short term.
Still, the Warriors and several other teams are not ready to give up.
Warriors’ Interest Not Going Away
Veteran NBA insider Marc Stein reported that while the Bucks project a “never-had-a-doubt” confidence about Giannis’ future, multiple teams continue to monitor the situation closely.
“The truth, furthermore, is that I’m not sure the knowledge Antetokounmpo has opted for the status quo will do much to dissuade teams that still dream of luring him away from continuing such plotting behind closed doors,” Stein wrote on his Substack newsletter, “The Stein Line.” “I can think of at least six or seven teams that have been anticipating an opportunity to make a credible trade run at him … and I suspect that list, in actuality, is longer than mine reads.”
According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, Antetokounmpo has long been considered the Warriors’ dream trade target, an idea that has persisted since the height of their dynasty.
Ties Between Curry and Antetokounmpo
That dream got new life in February when Antetokounmpo made a surprise appearance at Stephen Curry’s party in San Francisco during All-Star weekend. Warriors owner Joe Lacob, forward Draymond Green, and their former center Kevon Looney were also in attendance.
“Antetokounmpo, who has been known to be a dream target of the Warriors for a long time, made a late-night appearance at Curry’s party in San Francisco during All-Star weekend. Warriors officials on hand took (gleeful) notice — including fellow attendee, Golden State owner Joe Lacob,” Amick wrote in May.
Amick also pointed out that both Curry and Antetokounmpo are represented by Octagon, a global agency with deep ties in the international basketball community. Giannis is represented by fellow Greek Alex Saratsis, while Curry is represented by Jeff Austin, the head of Octagon’s basketball division. Saratsis also represents Seth Curry, an unrestricted free agent rumored to be on Golden State’s radar.
“Still, it was a Warriors-centric event with one notable, and very large, exception,” Amick wrote. “And while Golden State is deeply invested in its Jimmy Butler era at the moment, the reality about a player like Antetokounmpo is that his greatness could compel nearly every owner and GM in the league to adjust their plan.”
What a Potential Deal Could Look Like
The Warriors would face steep competition if Antetokounmpo ever pushed for a trade, but they do have some assets to dangle. A one-for-one swap involving Butler—whom Golden State acquired this summer—would make the salary math work.
In addition, Golden State controls up to four first-round picks, three of them unprotected, that could sweeten the deal. The Warriors could also include former lottery pick Jonathan Kuminga, a 22-year-old forward who is a restricted free agent, to give Milwaukee a young piece to build around.
The Bucks, however, face their own complications. Milwaukee does not control its own first-round draft picks until 2031, which limits the incentive to pivot toward a full rebuild if Antetokounmpo were to request a trade.
The Bucks are interested in Kuminga as they inquired about a possible sign-and-trade for him, but backed off when the Warriors asked for Bobby Portis, ClutchPoint’s Brett Siegel reported.
For Now, Status Quo
For now, Antetokounmpo appears committed to Milwaukee, especially with the return of his brother. But around the league—and particularly in the Bay Area—teams continue to hold out hope that circumstances could change.
And if they do, the Warriors plan to be at the front of the line.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Warriors’ Giannis Hopes Not Dead, NBA Insider Hints appeared first on Heavy Sports.