The Golden State Warriors are going all-in on landing Giannis Antetokounmpo before the NBA trade deadline on February 5, 2026, and the ripple effects could be massive—potentially ending Draymond Green’s iconic run in the Bay Area. With the Milwaukee Bucks seriously entertaining offers for their two-time MVP amid reports he’s ready for a new home, Golden State has emerged as the most aggressive suitor, per multiple league sources including Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints and ESPN insiders.
This isn’t just window shopping. The Warriors, facing a shortened window with Stephen Curry still elite but aging, see pairing the Greek Freak with Steph as the ultimate championship Hail Mary. But to make the salaries work—Giannis is earning around $54 million this season—without involving the recently injured Jimmy Butler (who tore his ACL and is out for the year, with the team prioritizing keeping him long-term), Draymond Green‘s contract becomes the key salary-matching piece. Green’s $25-26 million salary this year and $27.7 million player option for 2026-27 make him expendable in blockbuster scenarios, even if his trade value is described as “murky” due to age (35), personality, and that looming option.
Draymond Green and Giannis Antetokounmpo
A hypothetical three-team framework floating in reports and mock trades looks something like this:
Warriors receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Gary Trent Jr.Bucks receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, Warriors’ first-round picks in 2026, 2028, 2030, and 2032, a 2031 first-round pick swap (via Warriors), and a 2032 second-round pick (via Lakers)Lakers receive: Draymond Green
This setup checks multiple boxes. The Warriors go nuclear on the present: Curry, Giannis, and a supporting cast of vets chasing rings could dominate the West immediately. They’d bank on minimum-salary ring-chasers filling gaps this offseason, with potential pay cuts from Curry (and maybe Butler post-rehab) in 2027-28 to regain flexibility. The cost? Gutting the young core (Kuminga, Podziemski, Moody) and nearly all future draft capital—no leverage left for future deals or free agency beyond the minimum.
For the Bucks, it’s a calculated gamble on the Warriors’ post-Curry decline. By 2029-30, Steph might be retired, leaving Giannis in a similar spot Milwaukee faces now: a superstar without enough help. Those distant picks (2030, 2032) and the 2031 swap become gold. They also dodge Green’s player option headache—either he declines to pick his contender spot, or Milwaukee buys him out—while snagging an extra second-rounder from the Lakers for absorbing expiring deals like Hachimura and Kleber.
And the Lakers? They get the defensive mastermind they’ve desperately needed. With offensive firepower from LeBron James, Luka Dončić (assuming recent roster context), and Austin Reaves, LA lacks elite stoppers. Green transforms their defense—switching, help-side IQ, leadership—far more than Hachimura’s shooting or Kleber’s limited rotation role. A 2032 second-rounder is cheap for testing a Draymond-led defensive upgrade alongside LeBron’s twilight push.
Why push this now? The Warriors are “fascinated” by unloading their picks for one last Curry window, per sources. The Bucks, while preferring to wait for summer (potentially higher return), face pressure: Giannis doesn’t want to sit out, risking tension or injury. Other suitors like the Knicks, Heat, and Timberwolves are in the mix, but Golden State’s package of youth + picks stands out as aggressive.
Is this realistic? Reports vary—some say Butler is “unlikely” involved, forcing Green’s inclusion; others note the Bucks are countering hard. Green himself stays chill: “I ain’t losing no sleep” over rumors, calling trades part of the business after 14 years in Golden State.
Bottom line: If the Warriors pull this off, it’s dynasty-shaking. Curry-Giannis could be unstoppable, but at the expense of the future and a core piece like Draymond. For Lakers fans, snagging Green would be a sneaky win. The deadline clock is ticking—expect fireworks before Thursday.