The Golden State Warriors are better equipped to pull off a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade than teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks, reports ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne.
During her appearance on “ESPN LA 710 – Los Angeles” on Wednesday, Shelburne explained why the Warriors — who can trade up to three first-round picks (2026, 2028, 2031 or 2032) — can make a more compelling offer to the Milwaukee Bucks.
“It’s gonna take a lot to get [Giannis] — they’re not gonna trade a guy this good without a significant return,” Shelburne said on the Bucks’ potential asking price.
“We’re talking four or five first-round picks and good young players — which the Lakers simply don’t have.”
Shelburne listed the Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic, Miami Heat and Warriors as teams with better assets than the Lakers and Knicks.
“Golden State can offer more picks,” added Shelburne.
Giannis to Warriors Practical?
Further to Shelburne’s point, the Lakers own only one tradeable first-round pick, along with an abundance of expiring contracts — Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber and Jaxson Hayes. Since Austin Reaves has the option to be a free agent in 2026, the Bucks may be wary of trading for him without a commitment to a contract extension. Also worth noting is that Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton own player options for 2026-27 and are not guaranteed to stay in Los Angeles for the long haul.
In comparison, the Warriors can build a package around Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski and up to three first-round picks (including a pick swap in either 2027, 2029 and 2031).
Giannis With the Leverage
Ultimately, Antetokounmpo, who can become a free agent in 2027, will determine his next landing spot, per ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
“It’ll be Giannis instructing the Bucks where he wants to be traded and then the Bucks trying to make the best deal with that team,” he told “NBA Today” on Wednesday.
Windhorst added that Antetokounmpo was explicitly interested in a move to the New York Knicks over the offseason, and may not have changed his stance.
“What it’s going to come down to is whether Giannis instructs the Bucks to re-engage the Knicks or not, or if he moves into the direction where he wants a trade, would he widen that list?” asked the NBA insider.
“The thing is, the Knicks were not in the best position to trade for Giannis in August because they had just extended Mikal Bridges and he wasn’t able to be traded. It was a strange time that Giannis would approach the Bucks about that situation.”
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday that Giannis Antetokounmpo and his agent, Alex Saratsis, are “having conversations” with the Bucks about his future.
“A resolution to these talks is expected in the coming weeks, sources said, which will shape whether Antetokounmpo is available ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline.”
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