The Golden State Warriors were widely seen as the frontrunners to land Giannis Antetokounmpo at the 2026 trade deadline, but Milwaukee ultimately held firm and kept their franchise cornerstone. That window may not be closed for long.
Fansided’s Bryan Toporek predicts that by the end of the upcoming offseason, Antetokounmpo will be wearing a new uniform — and the Warriors remain one of the most realistic destinations.
“Much like this year’s trade deadline, the Bucks could hold up the entire offseason market if they try to stall before entertaining trade offers for the Greek Freak,” Toporek wrote. “He’ll have only one guaranteed season left on his contract, though, so he can effectively force the Bucks to trade him by pledging not to re-sign with them as a free agent in 2027. The Golden State Warriors swapped Jonathan Kuminga for Kristaps Porziņģis at the trade deadline, but they still have pathways to acquire Antetokounmpo.”
Why Giannis Could Become Available This Summer
Antetokounmpo’s current contract runs through 2026-27 (player option for 2027-28). If he signals he won’t re-sign in 2027, Milwaukee faces a nightmare scenario: losing him for nothing in free agency or trading him at a depressed value. That leverage gives Giannis significant power to force a move — and Golden State is one of the few franchises that can offer both a winning situation and assets to make it happen.
Warriors’ Remaining Pathways to Giannis
Even after trading Jonathan Kuminga for Kristaps Porziņģis, the Warriors retain significant trade capital:
- Multiple future first-round picks (up to four, depending on protections/swaps)
- Young talent (Brandin Podziemski, Trayce Jackson-Davis, Moses Moody)
- Salary-matching contracts (Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schröder, etc.)
- Appeal as a destination: Stephen Curry’s final prime years, a proven championship culture, and immediate title contention
A potential package could look like:
- 2–3 first-round picks
- Podziemski + Wiggins or similar salary filler
- Additional young pieces/protected picks
That kind of haul aligns with what Milwaukee would demand for a two-time MVP still in his prime (28.0 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 5.6 APG, elite defense in 30 games this season).
The Curry-Antetokounmpo Fit Would Be Lethal
Pairing Giannis’ interior dominance and playmaking with Curry’s gravity and shooting would give the Warriors total offensive control:
- Unstoppable spacing
- Elite transition and half-court creation
- Defensive versatility (Giannis anchors the paint, Draymond switches everything)
- A two-year window (2026-27 guaranteed + 2027-28 option if Giannis opts in)
If Giannis likes the fit and culture, he could exercise that final option — giving Golden State a legitimate title contender built around Curry’s last elite years.
The Stakes & Competition
Other contenders will absolutely call Milwaukee this summer. But few can match the Warriors’ combination of:
- Proven winning pedigree
- Immediate contention (no rebuild needed)
- Assets to offer a fair (but not gutting) package
If the Bucks stall or lowball, Giannis can force their hand by making clear he won’t re-sign in 2027.
Warriors fans, would you go all-in for Giannis this offseason — even if it costs multiple first-round picks and young talent? Do you think he’d opt in for 2027-28 if he joins, giving Curry one last true superteam window? Or is the risk (age, injury history, cap hit) too high after already trading Kuminga? Drop your takes below — this could be the biggest offseason storyline in the NBA!