The Golden State Warriors are confronting tough realities as Stephen Curry’s recent injury update and an uncertain future have cast shadows over the franchise’s path forward. Despite these challenges, the Warriors see a potential turning point in acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo to bolster their championship hopes.
Although the Warriors’ attempt to trade for Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks fell through at the trade deadline, interest in this blockbuster deal is expected to persist through the offseason. With the Bucks’ star player nearing recovery from a calf strain, including him alongside Curry offers Golden State a tempting vision to extend their successful run, albeit at a steep cost.
Trade Proposal Would Involve Significant Assets to Secure Antetokounmpo
According to Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey, the Warriors could consider an offseason trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo that demands giving up considerable future draft capital. The proposed exchange would see Golden State acquire Antetokounmpo, while Milwaukee would receive Jimmy Butler, multiple first-round draft picks (2027, 2029, 2031), and several first-round pick swaps (2026, 2028, 2030, 2032).
Though Butler is currently sidelined with a torn ACL, his contract aligns closely with Giannis’s salary, making him a primary component in the trade discussion. While the Bucks may request additional assets, the wealth of draft picks could provide enough value to justify parting with their franchise cornerstone now.
“But getting three unencumbered first-round picks and the chance to move up in four other drafts between now and 2032 is good value for Giannis,”
Bailey wrote.
“The Bucks could justify starting over, and those picks and swaps after 2030 could be extremely valuable. Stephen Curry will be retired, and Giannis will be post-prime. The next face of the franchise could be in one of those drafts.”
Even if Milwaukee must decide Butler’s fate separately, the critical element for the Bucks would be the future draft picks. Absent Antetokounmpo, the team is likely facing a rebuild, so accumulating picks shapes their possible restart. Bailey notes this deal’s potential to strengthen over time if the Bucks trade Butler during the final year of his deal.
“And this is one of those trades that could grow in the future if Milwaukee could move Jimmy Butler during the last year of his contract,”
Bailey added.
“For Golden State, it’s risky to give up control of your draft that far into the future. It’s extremely risky.”
While the Bucks hold leverage, the Warriors appear ready to embrace the gamble. Pairing Curry with Antetokounmpo, even for a limited window, is seen as a worthwhile risk for Golden State amid current struggles.
Underlying Reasons This Trade Could Be Feasible and Worthwhile
Despite the seemingly hefty price tag, there are two major factors that suggest the Warriors might manage to absorb the cost of this trade and still maintain competitive balance beyond the immediate future.
The first is the emergence of young talent like Brandin Podziemski and Gui Santos. Both players have demonstrated promising potential recently, and Santos has already secured a multi-year contract extension with the Warriors. Alongside other developing players such as Pat Spencer, Moses Moody, and Quinten Post, Golden State’s youthful core offers a foundation to build upon after the eventual end of the Curry-Antetokounmpo partnership.
The second reason is more strategic: if surrendering draft picks increases the odds of capturing a fifth championship with Curry while Giannis is still in his early thirties, the gamble aligns with the franchise’s priorities. Many teams in the NBA have yet to win a title, while Golden State has claimed four championships since 2015. The prospect of adding another championship rings carries significant weight, justifying short-term sacrifices for potential glory.
Every season without a serious championship push during the Curry era feels like a lost opportunity. This urgency motivates Golden State to explore any avenue to strengthen their roster while Curry remains their main competitive asset.
“When you don’t have Jimmy Butler or Steph Curry in the lineup…you don’t see anybody that can hold the weight of that lineup. Especially on the offensive end.”
– @TeamLou23
An Antetokounmpo trade would not guarantee a championship or resolve every issue Golden State faces, but it provides a chance to address serious concerns in the short term, extending their window of competitiveness before rebuilding becomes unavoidable.
Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to return tonight against the Boston Celtics after missing the last 5-plus weeks with a right calf strain, sources tell ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 2, 2026
From Brazil to the Bay, now here to stay 🤝
The Warriors have signed Gui Santos to a multi-year contract extension. pic.twitter.com/2Q9TnRDCty
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) February 28, 2026
It might be time to admit the Warriors dynasty is done 😬
"When you don't have Jimmy Butler or Steph Curry in the lineup…you don't see anybody that can hold the weight of that lineup. Especially on the offensive end." – @TeamLou23 @MichelleDBeadle | @ChandlerParsons pic.twitter.com/FLHj0NLHNi
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) March 2, 2026
