The Golden State Warriors have had an up-and-down start to the 2025-26 season, but one glimmer of hope is that they have been consistently rumored to be one of the top teams in contention for a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade.
The Warriors might not have all the young players and draft assets the Milwaukee Bucks are likely looking for, yet still, the trade package they could offer for Antetokounmpo remains massive.
However, a trade for the two-time MVP would require them to cut ties with multiple players. Reporting on news of a potential deal, Jake Fischer offered a major update on what Golden State would need to give up to add one of the best players of this generation in the Greek Freak.
“The only player I think in the league that Golden State would be willing to move Draymond Green for would be Giannis Antetokounmpo. That’s the only player,” Fischer said on his Insider Notebook video series. “Between him and Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski, all of a sudden Golden State probably does have an intriguing package if you’re Milwaukee.”
The Warriors have been listed next to teams like the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, and Toronto Raptors as potential suitors for Antetokounmpo, but they still have a lot of other issues to deal with before they can make a move for the star.
Warriors Giannis Trade Update
Just speaking in terms of matching salaries, the Warriors would have to give up a lot to get back Antetokounmpo and his $58+ million average annual salary. Fischer believes Green would likely be the most likely option to be moved, but only in a deal for the 2021 Finals MVP.
“But I don’t think that they are going to be pushing Draymond’s salary onto the table — or Jimmy Butler’s salary — for anyone short of him,” he added.
As Fischer mentioned, a deal for Antetokounmpo would likely include Kuminga and his new contract. The Warriors have made it clear that he is on the chopping block and will all but certainly be moved by the deadline, and if that is the case, putting him in a Bucks deal would kill two birds with one stone for Golden State.
Both Curry and the franchise have been interested in Antetokounmpo for a while, but at the same time, it is hard to see them cutting ties with Green, someone who’s been so important to their dynastic run. It would certainly be an upgrade, and they likely wouldn’t mind sending out Kuminga, Podziemski, and a few other assets for the star, but a trade like that would almost certainly sever ties between Green and the Warriors for a long time.
Sam Amick of The Athletic recently reported that the Warriors are no longer in contention to land Giannis, but other reports say the Bucks are willing to send him to whichever team he wants the most. If that is the case, Antetokounmpo could hold Green’s future in Golden State in the balance.
Steph Curry Injury Update And Return Date
While all of the Antetokounmpo news has led headlines for the past week-plus, the Warriors have been dealing with other issues in that span. Most notably, they’ve been without Curry, as he’s missed the last five games with a quad injury.
However, the star could be nearing a return, as multiple reports indicate he returned to practice and could suit up for the team’s Friday night matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
“Steve Kerr said it’s ‘looking good’ for Steph Curry to return on Friday after missing past 5 games with left quad contusion/strain,” Insider Danny Emerman wrote in a post on X. “Curry was a full participant in practice today, including scrimmaging.”
Along with the quad injury, Curry has also dealt with an illness and ankle injury through the first quarter of the season. Regardless, he’s turned back the clock in 2025, and is putting up strong averages of 27.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, and four assists on 47.1% shooting in 16 games.
The Warriors are floundering in the West, and though an Antetokounmpo arrival, regardless of when it could come, isn’t a guarantee, at least getting Curry back will strengthen their hopes as the season goes on.
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