Warriors Back in Giannis Trade Picture After Bucks Star Sends Mixed Signals

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, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Knicks and Bucks engaged in an “exclusive” 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.

“First of all, I haven’t read that story,” Antetokounmpo said following Wednesday’s practice. “When the season starts, I try to get off social media and focus on my craft and the team. But yeah, I’ve said this many times: I want to be in a situation where I can win — and right now, I’m here. I believe in this team. I believe in my teammates. I’m here to lead this team to wherever we can go. It’s definitely going to be hard, but I’m here. So all the other extra stuff does not matter.”

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 Bucks’ season doesn’t go as planned.

“I think I’ve 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,” he said. “I’m locked into whatever I have in front of me. Now, if in six, seven months I change my mind, I think that’s human too. You’re allowed to make any decision you want. But I’m locked in — to this team, to these guys, to this coaching staff, and to myself.”

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 York’s exclusive window to negotiate for Antetokounmpo has officially closed.

“That window is obviously shut,” Charania said. “We’re not in August anymore — we’re 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.”

That revelation could thrust the Warriors — a team long rumored to covet Antetokounmpo — back into the mix.

According to ESPN’s 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.

“When you talk of teams that would pounce on a Giannis situation, the Golden State Warriors are at the top of the list for me,” Windhorst said on NBA Today.

Kuminga Could Be the Centerpiece of a Deal

Windhorst added that Golden State’s new two-year, $46.8 million deal with forward Jonathan Kuminga was partly strategic — allowing the Warriors to retain a valuable young trade asset.

“One of the reasons why they fought so hard for that Jonathan Kuminga contract was so they could go big-game hunting,” Windhorst said. “Not necessarily just for Giannis, but that’s what they want to do as an organization. If it’s not New York, Golden State is at the top of the list.”

The Warriors can offer a package built around Kuminga, multiple first-round picks, and up to seven pick swaps — one of the most flexible arsenals among contending teams.

Warriors’ Longstanding Interest

Golden State’s interest in Antetokounmpo is nothing new. The Athletic’s Sam Amick previously reported that the organization’s 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 Curry’s All-Star Weekend party in San Francisco — attended by owner Joe Lacob, Draymond Green and former center Kevon Looney.

“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,” Amick wrote in May. “Warriors officials on hand took gleeful notice — including Lacob.”

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 — and Giannis’ patience runs thin — the Warriors are positioned to pounce.

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