The Golden State Warriors have long been linked with a potential trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two-time MVP is seen as an ideal fit next to Stephen Curry, and it’s widely believed the duo could lead the Warriors to another championship. The disconnect between Giannis and the Milwaukee Bucks front office has become an endless talking point over the past 12 months. As such, he could emerge as a genuine trade target for multiple teams around the NBA this summer.
While Golden State would undoubtedly position itself to be among the front-runners in any Giannis trade discussion, it may be better served by looking elsewhere. Giannis is entering the final guaranteed year of his current contract, where he will earn $58.4 million. He has a player option for $62.7 million in 2027-28. The Warriors would need to part with multiple key contributors to match Giannis’ salary, thus leaving their roster threadbare should a deal be struck.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks raised this concern during a recent article.
“The Warriors check the boxes with the ability to trade four firsts,” Marks wrote. “The question for Golden State is what would be left of the roster after an Antetokounmpo trade and whether it could compete for a championship.”
Given the Warriors’ aging core, parting with four future firsts would also be a dice roll. There’s no doubt Giannis would be a near-perfect fit next to Curry, but if acquiring him means tearing down the roster and mortgaging the future, Mike Dunleavy Jr. may think twice before picking up his phone.
This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Should the Golden State Warriors think twice about a Giannis trade?
Reporting by Adam Taylor, Warriors Wire / Warriors Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
