Sunday night into Monday morning (February 1-2, 2026), the NBA trade deadline entered its most intense phase with a stunning report from ClutchPoints insider Brett Siegel: If the Milwaukee Bucks decide to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo before Thursday’s deadline (February 5, 3 p.m. ET), it will be to the Golden State Warriors—and no one else.
Siegel posted on X:
“The Warriors are very much in the mix. As I’ve reported since last week, if a Giannis trade happens now, it will be with Golden State. If anything happens, it won’t be until Wednesday night at the earliest.”
This timeline is critical: Milwaukee has three days to decide whether to move their two-time MVP now (limited market) or wait until summer (more teams, more picks, clearer cap sheets). If urgency wins and the Bucks pull the trigger pre-deadline, Golden State is reportedly the only team positioned to complete the deal.
Embed X: https://twitter.com/Fullcourtpass/status/2018193797549613076
Why Warriors Have Exclusive Leverage
- Deep Draft Capital: Golden State can offer up to four first-round picks:
- 2026 unprotected
- 2028 unprotected
- 2032 unprotected
- 2030 (top-20 protected or unprotected)
Among contenders, few teams can match this haul—perfect for Bucks wanting picks to rebuild.
- Young Blue-Chip Talent: Jonathan Kuminga (23, team-friendly deal, high upside) is the exact young asset Milwaukee craves. Brandin Podziemski (Milwaukee native, rising playmaker) could sweeten the pot.
- Salary Matching Flexibility: Giannis earns ~$54-56M this season/next. Warriors options:
- Jimmy Butler ($54.1M this year, $56.8M next) – but Nick Friedell (The Athletic) reports Warriors have assured Butler they’ll stay with him through ACL rehab → Butler likely off-limits.
- Draymond Green ($27.6M this year, 2 years left) + fillers → Primary route. Draymond (35) remains a defensive IQ wizard and playmaker, but trading him ends a 13-year partnership (4 championships).
The Draymond Emotional Factor
Trading Green would be gut-wrenching: He’s been with the Warriors since 2012, won four rings, and still provides elite defense/playmaking despite declining athleticism. But Curry turns 38 soon—the window is closing. Pairing him with Giannis (31) could add 3-5 more elite years. Business over sentiment if it means ring #5.
Wednesday Night: The Make-or-Break Moment
Siegel emphasizes: No move before Wednesday night (February 4). Bucks are weighing:
- Trade now → Warriors offer ready, only team capable.
- Wait until summer → More bidders, potentially higher return.
Bucks hold leverage: Giannis is a 31-year-old superstar with injury history, but still MVP-caliber. Knicks, Heat, Timberwolves all interested—but none can finalize pre-deadline like Warriors.
What Giannis Means for Warriors
Landing Antetokounmpo instantly makes Golden State title favorites:
- Curry + Giannis + Butler (post-rehab) + Kuminga/Podziemski/Draymond = matchup nightmare.
- From 27-23 (8th West) → top-2 contender overnight.
- Extends Curry’s window dramatically.
Final Verdict: Warriors All-In Ready
If Milwaukee wants to move Giannis before February 5, Golden State is positioned as the sole realistic partner. GM Mike Dunleavy has the picks, youth, and matching ready. Wednesday night could be the defining moment—either the Bucks pull the trigger, or they punt to summer.
Dubs fans: Trade Draymond + Kuminga + picks for Giannis? Worth it for one last Curry run? Or hold and wait? Comment your predictions—this deadline could change everything!