Warriors are hellbent on realizing their “dream” Giannis Antetokounmpo trade scenario

Matthew Legros
Giannis Antetokounmpo defended by Klay Thompson in regular season action.

With a substandard 27-26 record, the Golden State Warriors are looking ahead to add another superstar to their mix, and former league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is the one player that would make their dreams come true.

The Golden State Warriors’ position as the No. 9 seed in the NBA Western Conference feels like a moment in the Twilight Zone. The dynastic franchise is struggling to contend for a playoff spot and know just how they can remedy their situation.

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is perched atop the Warriors’ wishlist. Bringing in the former two-time NBA MVP would form a third Warriors superteam in their historic 10-year run through the league.

Multiple sources verified Golden State’s deep-seeded interest in Antetokounmpo even despite the roadblocks that exist toward acquiring him. How serious should these rumblings be taken and what’s the likelihood that a deal comes to fruition?

Warriors want Giannis, Kevin Durant or Paul George

Warriors general manager Bob Myers has brought in a host of talented players to aid Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green in their decade-long championship pursuits. Myers has the gravitas to pull off a deal for the “Greek Freak.” Though, doing so will require some leg work.

Antetokounmpo is under contract until 2027-28, with the three-year extension he signed last June taking effect in 2025-26. The 2024 All-Star is also very fond of the city of Milwaukee. Having delivered them a championship in 2021, the former Finals MVP may not be seeking greener pastures.

Though, three reporters from The Athletic revealed that Warriors brass will heavily pursue Antetokounmpo in hopes of forming a superstar duo alongside franchise player Stephen Curry.

Myers and the front office do have fail safes. All-Stars Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns) and Paul George (Los Angeles Clippers) are also on their radar as backup options should Antetokounmpo be off the table, as Basketball Forever relayed on X/Twitter.

Durant has a successful history with the Warriors, having helped lead them to two championships in 2017 and 2018. While he and Curry were constantly debated as the ball club’s leader, and Durant and Draymond Green’s falling out precipitated the former’s departure, a reunion could take shape should the Suns fail to live up to postseason expectations.

George is in a comfortable situation in L.A., and has the chance to win it all next to Kawhi Leonard this year. Fans couldn’t help but affirm that George would make Golden State a force to be reckoned with.

The Warriors have their eyes on what seems like the bulk of the top superstars in the league, but the one that’ll take the cake is Antetokounmpo. Expect Warriors owner Joe Lacob to greenlight a concerted chase in the near future.

About The Author

Matthew graduated from Brooklyn College in 2022 with a Bachelor's degree in Communications. In the past, he's written for Heavy Sports, Sports Illustrated, and SB Nation. On top of penning scripts for Empire Sports Media, Matthew covers the latest NBA, NFL and Boxing news for Dexerto. His expertise lies in basketball, with a personal passion for track-and-field. You can contact him at matthew.legros@dexerto.com.