The Golden State Warriors came agonizingly close to landing Giannis Antetokounmpo at the February 5, 2026 trade deadline — but Milwaukee made it clear the two-time MVP wasn’t going anywhere. Instead, Golden State pivoted and acquired Kristaps Porzingis from Atlanta in a deal sending Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield east.
Many assumed that move closed the book on any Giannis pursuit. It did not.
According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Warriors remain one of the few teams structurally positioned to make a blockbuster swing this summer — and Antetokounmpo remains very much in play.
Warriors’ Trade Arsenal Heading into Offseason
Marks outlined Golden State’s leverage in a recent column:
- Four first-round picks available this summer (plus additional swap rights across the next seven years). (Note: They owe Dallas their 2030 first-rounder, but only if it falls outside the top-20 protected.)
- At least $18 million in open cap space for salary absorption or sign-and-trade scenarios.
- Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski — both former first-rounders — combine for roughly $18 million in outgoing salary that can be aggregated in deals.
- Kristaps Porzingis himself could be flipped in a sign-and-trade scenario if he approves (his contract has a player option after 2026-27).
GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. echoed that confidence post-deadline: “We’ve got the goods to make deals. I think the only way we wouldn’t be in the mix is if we gave out assets, young players, all the things you need to get a great player. We still have all that. I think that’s one of the reasons the [Porzingis] trade is really good for us, similar to Jimmy [Butler III] last year. We don’t feel like we gave up a ton. We still have the kind of firepower to move forward and do more deals.”
The Catch: Tradeable Salary Remains a Hurdle
Marks highlighted the biggest obstacle: “What could hinder the Warriors in any trade talks are the contracts available to use in deals. While Golden State is well below the apron to absorb salary, its three highest-paid players are either untouchable (Curry), injured (Butler), or potentially a free agent — Green has a $27.7 million player option for 2026-27.”
Jimmy Butler III’s ACL injury (out for the rest of 2025-26 and likely into next season) complicates using him as trade bait. Draymond Green’s player option adds uncertainty. That leaves the Warriors needing creative structures (Porzingis sign-and-trade, Moody/Podziemski as sweeteners, multiple firsts) to match salaries in a Giannis deal.
Why Giannis Still Makes Sense for Golden State
Even after adding Porzingis, the Warriors (29-26) are not at the peak of the Curry era. They’re a play-in fringe team in a loaded West, and Stephen Curry (37) is battling persistent knee issues (more on that below). Pairing Curry with Giannis — a two-time MVP, Finals MVP, and one of the most dominant forces in NBA history — would instantly make Golden State a title favorite again.
Giannis would thrive in Steve Kerr’s motion system: spacing from Curry/Porzingis, cutting lanes, transition dominance, and elite defense next to Draymond. It’s a dynasty-extending move — and Golden State still has the draft capital and cap flexibility to pursue it.
Stephen Curry Injury Update: Persistent Knee Swelling, No Structural Damage, But No Timeline
While offseason plans heat up, the present remains clouded by Curry’s right knee injury.
- MRI (February 19) showed no structural damage — it’s being called “Runner’s Knee” with persistent swelling and pain.
- Shams Charania: “Both the Warriors and Curry need all of that to subside before he can try to start to play again, and it’s uncertain whether that will be days or weeks away.”
- Anthony Slater: Issue first appeared after a January 24 workout; Curry played through it initially before it worsened. He’s missed the last five games (16 total this season) and the All-Star Game.
With no firm return date, Curry risks falling short of the 65-game threshold for major awards (All-NBA, MVP consideration).
Bottom Line
The Warriors didn’t land Giannis at the deadline — but they didn’t close the door either. Four firsts, $18M+ cap space, Porzingis flip potential, and Moody/Podziemski as trade pieces keep them very much alive for a summer splash. If Milwaukee ever softens on Giannis (unlikely but not impossible), Golden State has the ammunition to make a serious run.
In the meantime, they need Curry back healthy and Porzingis to make his debut count Thursday vs. Boston.
Warriors fans: Still dreaming of Curry + Giannis? Or happy to build around Curry + Porzingis + depth? Comment your thoughts below and share if you’re locked in for a blockbuster offseason!