The Golden State Warriors are staring down a harsh reality: Steve Kerr’s infamous “fading dynasty” comment from years ago may have been prophetic. With Stephen Curry sidelined again (runner’s knee, missing at least five more games after 10 already), Draymond Green’s name swirling in trade rumors, and the team hovering around .500 in a loaded Western Conference, the championship window appears to be closing fast. Yet one seismic move could change everything: trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Warriors tried and failed to land the two-time MVP at the February 2026 trade deadline, but Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey argues the pursuit should intensify this offseason. In his “Trades NBA Teams Wish They Could Make” piece, Bailey proposed a massive package that would mortgage Golden State’s future for a chance to pair Curry with the 2021 Finals MVP:
Warriors Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo Bucks Receive: Jimmy Butler, first-round picks in 2027, 2029, and 2031, plus first-round pick swaps in 2026, 2028, 2030, and 2032
Why This Trade Isn’t As Crazy As It Sounds Bailey acknowledges the steep cost but sees logic on both sides:
- For Golden State: Butler’s expiring contract (post-ACL tear) matches Giannis’ salary perfectly, making him the centerpiece. The picks/swaps give Milwaukee long-term control after the Curry-Giannis era ends—valuable when Curry retires and Giannis is post-prime.
- Young Core Insurance: Brandin Podziemski and Gui Santos (recently extended) provide upside. Santos’ deal and Podziemski’s potential give hope post-dynasty. Pat Spencer, Moses Moody, Quinten Post, and others form a foundation—better than many rebuilding teams.
- Win-Now Imperative: The Warriors have four titles since 2015. Seasons without contention feel wasted with Curry in his prime. Adding Giannis (early 30s) maximizes the window—even if it means bottoming out later.
Bailey wrote: “Getting three unencumbered first-round picks and the chance to move up in four other drafts… is good value for Giannis. The Bucks could justify starting over, and those picks and swaps after 2030 could be extremely valuable.”
The Risks Are Real This deal is high-stakes:
- Sacrificing draft control through 2032 is “extremely risky.”
- Butler’s injury (ACL tear) and contract make him movable, but Milwaukee might demand more.
- No guarantee Giannis wants out or that the pairing works long-term.
Yet the alternative—watching the dynasty fade without a bold swing—feels worse to many Warriors fans. As one viral post noted: “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.”