The Golden State Warriors, once thought to be out of the picture, could be back in play for Giannis Antetokounmpo after the Milwaukee Bucks superstar broke his silence on recent trade rumors involving the New York Knicks.
On Tuesday, ESPNâs Shams Charania reported that the Knicks and Bucks engaged in an âexclusiveâ round of trade discussions in August after Antetokounmpo identified New York as his preferred destination outside Milwaukee. Those talks, however, never progressed beyond the exploratory stage.
âFirst of all, I havenât read that story,â Antetokounmpo said following Wednesdayâs practice. âWhen the season starts, I try to get off social media and focus on my craft and the team. But yeah, Iâve said this many times: I want to be in a situation where I can win â and right now, Iâm here. I believe in this team. I believe in my teammates. Iâm here to lead this team to wherever we can go. Itâs definitely going to be hard, but Iâm here. So all the other extra stuff does not matter.â
Giannis Leaves the Door Open
Antetokounmpo stopped short of pledging long-term loyalty to Milwaukee, leaving the door open to reconsider his future if the Bucksâ season doesnât go as planned.
âI think Iâve communicated with my teammates and the people I respect that the moment I step on this court or in this facility, the rest does not matter,â he said. âIâm locked into whatever I have in front of me. Now, if in six, seven months I change my mind, I think thatâs human too. Youâre allowed to make any decision you want. But Iâm locked in â to this team, to these guys, to this coaching staff, and to myself.â
His words were interpreted across the league as both a reaffirmation of commitment and a subtle reminder that his patience may not last forever.
Knicks Window Closes, Warriors Back in Frame
Charania added another twist on NBA Today, confirming that New Yorkâs exclusive window to negotiate for Antetokounmpo has officially closed.
âThat window is obviously shut,â Charania said. âWeâre not in August anymore â weâre now in October. If things reopen during the season with this whole Giannis Antetokounmpo element, that window is no longer exclusive to the Knicks. Other NBA teams will enter the picture. I expect it to go beyond just New York.â
That revelation could thrust the Warriors â a team long rumored to covet Antetokounmpo â back into the mix.
According to ESPNâs Brian Windhorst, Golden State remains among the few legitimate title contenders capable of constructing a competitive trade package if the Bucks ever decide to part ways with their franchise cornerstone.
âWhen you talk of teams that would pounce on a Giannis situation, the Golden State Warriors are at the top of the list for me,â Windhorst said on NBA Today.
Kuminga Could Be the Centerpiece of a Deal
Windhorst added that Golden Stateâs new two-year, $46.8 million deal with forward Jonathan Kuminga was partly strategic â allowing the Warriors to retain a valuable young trade asset.
âOne of the reasons why they fought so hard for that Jonathan Kuminga contract was so they could go big-game hunting,â Windhorst said. âNot necessarily just for Giannis, but thatâs what they want to do as an organization. If itâs not New York, Golden State is at the top of the list.â
The Warriors can offer a package built around Kuminga, multiple first-round picks, and up to seven pick swaps â one of the most flexible arsenals among contending teams.
Warriors’ Longstanding Interest
Golden Stateâs interest in Antetokounmpo is nothing new. The Athleticâs Sam Amick previously reported that the organizationâs fascination with Giannis dates back to the height of its dynasty. That interest briefly reignited last February when Antetokounmpo made a surprise late-night appearance at Stephen Curryâs All-Star Weekend party in San Francisco â attended by owner Joe Lacob, Draymond Green and former center Kevon Looney.
âAntetokounmpo, who has been known to be a dream target of the Warriors for a long time, made a late-night appearance at Curryâs party,â Amick wrote in May. âWarriors officials on hand took gleeful notice â including Lacob.â
Golden State Watching Closely
For now, Antetokounmpo insists he is committed to Milwaukee. But as the Bucks enter another season under pressure to contend, the Warriors will be watching from the Bay.
After missing out on previous superstar pursuits, Golden State has quietly retooled its roster and preserved assets for the next opportunity.
If Milwaukee falters again â and Giannisâ patience runs thin â the Warriors are positioned to pounce.
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