At 2-1 on the season, the Golden State Warriors have no reason to panic. In fact, they should be feeling pretty good about their chances. Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Jonathan Kuminga are playing well, and the Warriors look like a real threat.
However, it’s a long season, and injuries are unpredictable. The Warriors have been linked to some high-level trade targets, although one reigns supreme.
If the Warriors could add Giannis Antetokounmpo, even at the expense of Draymond Green, they would emerge as title frontrunners. Of course, the Milwaukee Bucks have made it clear that they aren’t willing to deal him, and Giannis hasn’t demanded a trade.
If Antetokounmpo does ask out, the Warriors can offer a high-level package to the Bucks for him. However, the New York Knicks remain the frontrunner.
GettyMILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 13: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors talk after a game at Fiserv Forum on January 13, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Antetokounmpo Prefers Knicks Over Warriors
A star-studded trio of Butler, Curry, and Antetokounmpo would be the best in the league, and the Greek Freak would surpass Kevin Durant as Curry’s best-ever teammate.
In fact, Giannis would be a better player than even Curry, thanks to his two-way talents.
On paper, the fit between Antetokounmpo and the Warriors seems perfect. However, there’s not always fire where there’s smoke. The Knicks remain Antetokounmpo’s preferred landing spot in a possible trade.
“Good relationship, friendly,” said Sam Amick of Curry and Antetokounmpo. “Steph has the same agency as Giannis, but that’s not the type of smoke you might have thought, as far as, you know, that being something that was kind of percolating in the background. New York is the only one right now for me where it’s really clear that Giannis does have interest there.”
The Knicks would likely have to give up OG Anunoby in a deal, as well as other salary-balancers. For now, the Knicks seem content with their current roster. As the season slogs on, that could change.
Golden State Warriors Can Offer More for Giannis
If the Knicks want Giannis, that doesn’t mean they will get him.
Antetokounmpo is making $54.1 million this season. Balancing the salaries would be hard enough, and finding the draft capital to land a player of his stature would be nearly impossible.
The Knicks can’t trade a single first-round pick without attaching various protections and swaps. On top of that, they lack high-value young players. The Warriors, on the other hand, boast six first-rounders that can be traded outright or swapped. Throw in Kuminga, Moses Moody, and/or Brandin Podziemski, and you have the basis for a reasonable trade.
It wouldn’t be the first time that the Warriors swung a surprise deal. Last season, Butler listed the Phoenix Suns as his preferred landing spot. The Warriors traded for him anyway, offered him an extension, and he has quickly changed his tune.
With Antetokounmpo, the Warriors could pull off a similar deal before the deadline, beating out the Knicks.
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