The Golden State Warriors face a pivotal offseason as they aim to maximize the championship window for their aging core of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green. Coming off a strong regular season where they surged to the seventh seed in the Western Conference and upset the No. 2 Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs, the Warriors showed they still have fight left. However, their season ended in the second round against the Minnesota Timberwolves, hampered by a hamstring injury to Curry in Game 1. Now, the franchise must make critical decisions to build a title-contending roster around their veteran trio.
One tantalizing option is pursuing Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP who has been linked to the Warriors. Acquiring Giannis could create a formidable lineup featuring him alongside Curry, Butler, and Green, potentially making Golden State a championship favorite. However, a recent discussion on The Crossover with Mark Willard raised a sobering question about the cost of such a move.
“What it would take to have Giannis, Steph, Jimmy, and Draymond all on the Warriors, you’re talking about a carcass,” Willard said. “Those four and 12 Pat Spencers. And you’d have no assets for years to come. What if you get Giannis, I guarantee a title next year, however after that you have 12 years of no playoffs. Do you make the trade?”
This perspective highlights the steep price of landing Giannis. To secure the Bucks’ star, the Warriors would likely need to part with nearly all their young talent and draft picks, leaving the roster dangerously thin beyond the star quartet. With Curry, Butler, and Green in the twilight of their careers, and Giannis unlikely to stay long-term once the veteran core retires, the trade could mortgage the franchise’s future for a single shot at a title.
“What it would take to have Giannis, Steph, Jimmy, and Draymond all on the Warriors, you’re talking about a carcass. Those four and 12 Pat Spencers. And you’d have no assets for years to come…
What if you get Giannis, I guarantee a title next year, however after that you have…
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) June 2, 2025
While a lineup featuring Giannis, Curry, Butler, and Green would be a powerhouse in the short term, the lack of depth and future assets poses a massive risk. A single injury—such as Curry’s hamstring issue this postseason—could derail their championship hopes, leaving the Warriors with nothing to show for their gamble and no resources to rebuild.
Given these concerns, the Warriors may be better served exploring alternative paths. Instead of chasing a high-risk, high-reward trade for Giannis, they could target a different star who requires fewer assets or focus on bolstering their roster depth. Improving the supporting cast around Curry, Butler, and Green could provide a more balanced and sustainable approach to contending for another championship next season.
The real reason the Warriors might back out of a Giannis deal? It’s not just the cost—it’s the catastrophic risk of sacrificing their future for a fleeting chance at glory. With their aging trio still capable of leading a contender, Golden State may prioritize smarter, less costly moves to keep their championship dreams alive without dooming the franchise for years to come.