The Golden State Warriors may no longer be a serious destination for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but that may not eliminate conversations with the Milwaukee Bucks entirely. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, Golden State could pivot toward Antetokounmpo’s current frontcourt partner — center Myles Turner — as part of a potential trade package involving Jonathan Kuminga.
“An interesting potential salary match for Golden State in Kuminga’s salary range would be Bucks center Myles Turner,” Fischer wrote for The Stein Line, noting that Turner’s $25.1 million salary aligns closely with Kuminga’s number for trade construction.
GettyGiannis Antetokounmpo and Myles Turner of the Milwaukee Bucks look on during the second half of a preseason game against the Detroit Pistons.
According to Fischer, the Warriors have had “real interest” in Turner in the past, dating to earlier conversations with Indiana that included concepts featuring Kuminga, Andrew Wiggins and Buddy Hield before Turner landed in Milwaukee.
With multiple teams expected to inquire about Bucks veterans if the franchise engages in Giannis-related teardown discussions, Turner could become a realistic midseason target.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Dream Fades as Preferred Destinations Shift
The potential Turner pivot arrives just as momentum fades regarding Antetokounmpo’s interest in Golden State. The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported this week that the Warriors do not appear to be on the two-time MVP’s radar the way they once were.
“There’s been so much smoke in the past about [Giannis] and the Warriors, but I don’t know if he’s looking to go that direction,” Amick said on FanDuel TV.
Amick added that the Miami Heat have risen to No. 2 among preferred landing spots should Antetokounmpo eventually seek a move — particularly “if the Knicks thing isn’t there.”
This complicates Golden State’s long-held dream scenario of pairing Antetokounmpo with Stephen Curry to extend the franchise’s championship window deep into the late stages of Curry’s career.
Warriors Expected to Explore Kuminga Deals After Latest Benching
Regardless of the Antetokounmpo outcome, the Warriors are poised to be active. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Golden State is expected to explore trade scenarios involving Kuminga when he becomes eligible on January 15.
“Golden State wants to find upgrades on its roster, and Kuminga’s $22.5 million salary could be used in bigger trade scenarios,” Charania reported — the clearest indication yet of the team’s willingness to cash in their former No. 7 pick.
Golden State held sign-and-trade discussions last summer involving Kuminga with the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings, though neither advanced.
Warriors Open to Trading Young Core — Even Draymond Green
Just last week, Fischer reported that the Warriors have recently been more open than ever to packaging their young core, including Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski, in a blockbuster deal. The team even signaled willingness to include Draymond Green — a move once believed unthinkable.
“The Warriors have been reluctant to consider all-in moves requiring them to trade away Draymond Green, but Antetokounmpo would change that equation,” Fischer reported. His availability, he added, could “change the calculus of damn near every front office.”
But with Milwaukee seemingly more focused on recalibration than fire sale — and Antetokounmpo’s preferred destinations shifting — Golden State may be forced to target upgrades in tiers below the Greek Freak.
Turner as the Practical Alternative?
Myles Turner doesn’t carry Antetokounmpo’s MVP résumé — but he does offer elite rim protection, pick-and-pop shooting and floor spacing for Curry and Jimmy Butler.
And he fills a clear positional need, which they tried with a 39-year-old Al Horford, but the wear and tear of a long career has caught up with him.
For a Warriors team attempting to retool on the fly, Turner represents something Antetokounmpo does not — a move grounded on reality and not fantasy.
Whether Golden State ultimately exits January with a superstar, a new anchor in the middle, or the same roster that has struggled with inconsistency, one thing is clear:
The Warriors’ direction — one way or another — will revolve around Kuminga.
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