The Golden State Warriors currently lead the race to trade for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo ahead of the February 5 NBA trade deadline, outpacing other contenders like the New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and Minnesota Timberwolves. While the Warriors appear poised to make the move, acquiring the two-time MVP will require them to part with significant assets, including all available draft picks and potentially key players such as the injured Jimmy Butler.
Despite the complexity, the Warriors seem ready to make tough roster decisions. Sources indicate that Stephen Curry remains the only untouchable player, while Draymond Green’s departure is being contemplated if Milwaukee expresses interest. This willingness to reshape their lineup underscores Golden State’s urgency to secure Antetokounmpo and elevate their championship prospects.
Proposed Three-Team Trade Could Reshape Warriors and the League
Trading Draymond Green, who was instrumental in the Warriors’ four NBA titles but no longer at his peak, would be a difficult yet possible move as Golden State aims to build a championship team around Curry and Antetokounmpo. CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn outlined a dramatic three-team trade involving the Warriors, Celtics, and Bucks that could transform all franchises involved.
Under the proposal, the Golden State Warriors would acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anfernee Simons, Kyle Kuzma, Bobby Portis, and Xavier Tillman. The Boston Celtics would receive Draymond Green, Al Horford, and 2027 first-round pick swap rights from the Warriors. The Milwaukee Bucks would get a package including Jimmy Butler, Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield, Brandin Podziemski, Chris Boucher, Will Richard, five first-round picks from various teams, and 2031 first-round swap rights.
This deal would give the Warriors the prized Antetokounmpo while adding shooters and size with Simons, Kuzma, and Portis, with Tillman likely stepping in as the starting center. For Boston, obtaining Green and Horford could bolster their defense late in Horford’s career, while Milwaukee would receive a substantial collection of young players and high-value draft picks as they consider a rebuild.
Moving Butler and Green would require Curry’s approval, given their prominent roles. Sending Kuminga and several other players would not be surprising due to their limited roles or expected departures. Though the trade may not instantly upgrade every other spot on the Warriors roster, the franchise seems willing to accept a significant overhaul to challenge for another title with Curry and Antetokounmpo.
Motivations Behind Celtics and Bucks’ Participation in the Trade
While Golden State’s reasons for pursuing this trade are clearer, the incentives for the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks to participate require examination. The Bucks would receive a valuable mix of talent and draft capital, aligning with reports that they are ready to part ways with players like Kuzma and Portis as they consider a roster rebuild. By trading Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee could fully reset and focus on developing younger pieces to retool their future.
“To this point, the Bucks have not declined the Warriors’ offer, sources said. Horst and Milwaukee’s front” – unnamed source
Boston’s involvement hinges on their interest in defensive reinforcements like Green, who would complement a potentially returning Jayson Tatum. The Celtics have reportedly been preparing to move Anfernee Simons, and acquiring Green and Horford could improve their roster’s balance and experience as they aim to remain competitive.
Though this multi-team trade might seem ambitious, recent NBA deals such as Luka Doncic’s trade have shown that complex transactions are increasingly possible. The Warriors’ determination to bring in Antetokounmpo, even if it requires losing Butler, Green, and excessive draft assets, reflects an aggressive approach to chase another championship before Curry enters the later stages of his career.
Implications for Warriors’ Championship Contention and Team Future
This potential trade signals a major shift for the Warriors, who face pressure to adapt their roster amid disappointing results this season. Landing Giannis Antetokounmpo alongside Stephen Curry could instantly elevate Golden State back to title contender status, showcasing their commitment to a win-now strategy that doesn’t shy away from difficult roster decisions.
However, surrendering key players and future draft picks carries risks, including the loss of team depth and flexibility in subsequent years. If the Warriors go “scorched earth” to secure the Greek superstar, their ability to compete in the near future depends on how well the new pieces integrate and perform alongside Curry.
As the February 5 trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Golden State’s front office and the reactions from Milwaukee and Boston. The Warriors’ willingness to execute a blockbuster deal underlines the high stakes, illustrating how the quest to stay at the pinnacle of the NBA motivates dramatic moves.
Draymond Green could be on board with a Giannis trade and then return to the Warriors as a free agent this summer, per @BrettSiegelNBA
“One rival executive who has dealt with the Warriors before in trade talks spoke with ClutchPoints on Sunday and brought up the interesting… pic.twitter.com/3hSQ4Q9TBM
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 2, 2026
Anfernee Simons off the bench this season:
— 1st in 3PM
— 2nd in PTS6MOTY? pic.twitter.com/PXo0eBvbDG
— Real App (@realapp) February 1, 2026
The Milwaukee Bucks are fascinated by the idea of acquiring all of the Warriors’ first-round picks and have yet to decline the Warriors’ trade offer, per @BrettSiegelNBA
“To this point, the Bucks have not declined the Warriors' offer, sources said. Horst and Milwaukee's front… pic.twitter.com/fGZjFxneoV
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 2, 2026
