The Golden State Warriors once assured Jimmy Butler he was untouchable after his devastating season-ending ACL tear. Now, that promise has a massive asterisk—and it just lit up in neon.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer on a recent Bleacher Report livestream, the Warriors told Butler they would not explore trading him unless a superstar of Giannis Antetokounmpo or LeBron James’ caliber became available. With Milwaukee suddenly open to calls on Antetokounmpo, the exception is no longer hypothetical—it’s the headline.
Fischer reports that Golden State has already signaled its intent: if the Bucks are serious about moving their two-time MVP, the Warriors will aggressively pursue a deal built around turning Butler’s contract into Giannis. The franchise has coveted Antetokounmpo for years, viewing him as the ultimate co-star to extend Stephen Curry’s championship window. Butler, for all his grit and impact, was never that long-term piece at 36 and coming off a torn ACL.
What a Butler-for-Giannis Trade Could Look Like
The foundation is clear: Jimmy Butler’s expiring $57 million salary provides the necessary matching money. From there, Jonathan Kuminga would almost certainly head to Milwaukee as the young, high-upside talent the Bucks are reportedly seeking.
But Milwaukee wants more. Brandin Podziemski—the 22-year-old sharpshooter and Milwaukee native—could be the additional blue-chip piece that gets it done. The Warriors also have one of the league’s most attractive draft portfolios: up to four first-round picks (2026, 2028, 2032 unprotected, plus a potential 2030 if it conveys outside the top 20), per ESPN’s Anthony Slater.
Alternative structures could involve Draymond Green and multiple rotation players if the Bucks prefer veterans over youth. Whatever the final shape, Butler’s contract remains the centerpiece that makes the salaries work.
Why Golden State Is Pushing All-In Right Now
Time is not on the Warriors’ side. Stephen Curry is still playing at an elite level, but the clock is ticking on his prime. Waiting until summer—when more teams can maneuver picks and cap space—riskes losing Giannis to a deeper bidder.
That’s why GM Mike Dunleavy has been proactive. Slater reports the Warriors reached out to Milwaukee within the past week, making it clear a substantial offer is ready if the Bucks decide to move before the February 5 trade deadline. With one of the deepest collections of future picks among true contenders, Golden State believes striking now gives them the best shot to win the sweepstakes.
Giannis, sidelined weeks with a calf strain but expected back for playoffs, would be eligible to play immediately if a deal is completed in time. Pairing him with Curry would create an unstoppable two-man game and give the Warriors a legitimate chance at another title run this season.
The Hard Business Reality for Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler gets it— this is a business. He’s thrived in the Bay Area, delivering the two-way intensity the Warriors craved. But when a 31-year-old, two-time MVP who’s averaging 28-10-6 becomes available, loyalty takes a backseat.
The Warriors aren’t shopping Butler aggressively, but they’re not closing the door either. The message is clear: an opportunity to land Giannis Antetokounmpo is the rare exception that overrides everything else.
The Bottom Line
Golden State’s priorities are crystal clear. Butler brought stability and toughness, but Antetokounmpo represents a chance to reset the championship timeline beyond Curry’s final elite years. If it takes moving Butler, Kuminga, Podziemski, Draymond Green, and every available pick, the Warriors appear ready to pay the price.
With the trade deadline just days away, the basketball world is watching Milwaukee. If the Bucks blink and decide to move Giannis now, the Warriors are poised to deliver the most aggressive offer on the table.
Butler’s “untouchable” status lasted as long as no one truly untouchable hit the market. That moment has arrived—and the Bay Area could be on the verge of its biggest shake-up since the Durant era.