The NBA world is buzzing as the February 5 trade deadline looms, and the biggest name on the market—Giannis Antetokounmpo—is reportedly available. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Golden State Warriors have emerged as the clear frontrunners to land the two-time MVP. While the New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and Minnesota Timberwolves remain serious contenders, the Warriors are the team to watch in the final days before the deadline.
The burning question: What would it actually take for Golden State to pull off a deal for the Greek Freak?
The Athletic’s Eric Nehm has laid out a blockbuster trade framework that shows exactly how all-in the Warriors would have to go.
Proposed Trade:
Milwaukee Bucks receive:
- Jimmy Butler
- Jonathan Kuminga
- Moses Moody
- Brandin Podziemski
- Golden State’s 2028 first-round pick
- Golden State’s 2030 first-round pick (protected 1-20)
- Golden State’s 2032 first-round pick
- Pick swap rights on Golden State’s 2031 first-round pick
Golden State Warriors receive:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Kyle Kuzma
This is a massive haul. Kuminga (23), Moody (23), and Podziemski (22) represent the Warriors’ most promising young core—players with high upside and years of team control. Pair that with a treasure trove of future draft capital, most of it timed for the post-Stephen Curry era, and Milwaukee would have the assets needed for a full rebuild if they decide to move on from their championship window.
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The inclusion of Jimmy Butler is the salary-matching cornerstone. Despite earlier reports that GM Mike Dunleavy had no intention of moving Butler, his contract is the cleanest way to make the money work with Giannis. Even coming off a torn ACL, Butler would give the Bucks a proven veteran presence as they transition into a new chapter.
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For Golden State, this would be the ultimate win-now swing: pairing one of the league’s greatest ever shooters in Curry with one of its most dominant forces in Antetokounmpo. Adding Kyle Kuzma provides another versatile scorer and floor-spacer to the mix.
Kuminga Rumors on Ice
Just weeks ago, Jonathan Kuminga appeared headed out the door. With Butler sidelined, Kuminga briefly reclaimed a rotation spot, only to suffer a bone bruise in his left knee that has kept him off the court for over a week. No firm return timeline has been announced.
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The Giannis sweepstakes have effectively frozen any Kuminga trade talks. Previous discussions with the Lakers, Heat, Kings, Mavericks, and others have gone quiet. Los Angeles has shown interest, but Golden State has made it clear they don’t see enough value in return offers from the Lakers or anyone else.
Until the Giannis situation resolves, Kuminga—despite his public trade request earlier in the season—looks likely to remain a Warrior.
The Bottom Line
The Warriors are swinging for the fences. Landing Giannis would instantly reshape the Western Conference and give Stephen Curry one final realistic shot at another ring alongside a superstar in his prime.
With less than a week until the deadline, all eyes are on the Bay Area. If this package—or something close to it—gets it done, the NBA landscape will never be the same.