The Milwaukee Bucks could receive more for Giannis Antetokounmpo than from the New York Knicks if he ultimately demands a trade, as the Golden State Warriors have softened their reluctance to part ways with two of their young players and a franchise pillar, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer.
Long viewed as a potential suitor but previously hesitant to consolidate its future, the Warriors are now more open than ever to building a package around Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski and Draymond Green, should Antetokounmpo’s situation in Milwaukee shift.
“Sources say Golden State has never been close to putting both Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski in the same trade conversation — refusing to do so in their 2024 talks with Utah — just in case the chance emerged to package them both for Antetokounmpo or some other major, major fish,” Fischer wrote on The Stein Line. “The Warriors have likewise been reluctant to consider win-now, all-in moves that would require them to trade away Draymond Green, but Antetokounmpo in all likelihood would change that equation for Golden State’s brass.”
In addition to that trio, Golden State can — under current NBA trade rules — offer up to four first-round picks and seven pick swaps, giving the Warriors one of the league’s most expansive trade portfolios should the Bucks be forced, not willingly, into exploring their options.
Doc Rivers Shuts Down Rumors: ‘Giannis Has Never Asked to Be Traded’
Despite the noise, Milwaukee’s stance remains unwavering — Antetokounmpo has not requested a trade, and the franchise is not treating his future as a pivot point.
Before Wednesday’s game, head coach Doc Rivers issued a direct response to the growing speculation.
“Giannis has never asked to be traded. Ever. I can’t make that more clear,” Rivers said.
“We’re trying to win games. The reason this is out is because we’re not playing well. … Now this is the subject matter. It’s no more true than it was this summer.”
Rivers’ comments followed reporting from ESPN’s Shams Charania, who revealed that Antetokounmpo and agent Alex Saratsis have begun formal conversations with the Bucks’ front office centered on his long-term direction and whether “his best fit is staying or elsewhere.”
Charania added that a resolution is expected in the coming weeks, a timeline that has heightened preparation around the league — particularly in markets with assets and urgency.
Giannis’ Calf Strain Complicates Timing as Trade Season Approaches
GettyGiannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after an apparent injury against the Detroit Pistons during the first quarter at Fiserv Forum on December 03, 2025, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The situation becomes more layered as Antetokounmpo is set to miss 2–4 weeks due to a calf strain, temporarily removing Milwaukee’s franchise cornerstone from the floor during a precarious portion of the NBA calendar.
The injury coincides with the December 15 opening of the NBA’s unofficial trade season, when most offseason signings become eligible to be moved — historically triggering the league’s first real wave of negotiations and framework discussions.
For the Bucks, the challenge now includes surviving without Giannis, navigating speculation tied to both future and health, and avoiding the narrative that timing — or circumstance — dictates leverage.
Milwaukee Still Controls the Story — Unless Giannis Changes It
While teams like Golden State may prepare the most aggressive versions of their offers, nothing materializes unless Antetokounmpo initiates the process — something Milwaukee insists has not happened.
But the clock is ticking, which accelerates if they continue losing.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Shocking Trade Package Awaits Bucks if Giannis Wants Out appeared first on Heavy Sports.