The Milwaukee Bucks have officially opened the door to trade discussions involving two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, and according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Golden State Warriors are among the teams best positioned to meet Milwaukee’s steep asking price.
Jonathan Kuminga, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
Charania reported Wednesday:
“Multiple teams have received a sense that the Bucks are more open than ever to Antetokounmpo offers between now and the deadline. Milwaukee has indicated to interested teams that the organization is not in a rush to complete a move and is willing to navigate Antetokounmpo’s future in the offseason if its believed price point of a blue-chip young talent and/or a surplus of draft picks isn’t met.”
Golden State Fits Milwaukee’s Criteria Perfectly The Bucks’ framework aligns directly with the Warriors’ asset profile. Golden State controls up to four future first-round picks plus multiple pick swaps — one of the deepest draft arsenals among contenders. Crucially, they also possess Jonathan Kuminga — a 23-year-old former No. 7 overall pick whose age, upside, and contract status make him the exact “blue-chip young talent” Milwaukee is seeking.
Kuminga’s role has fluctuated this season, but his long-term value remains high around the league.
Salary Matching Not a Major Hurdle While Kuminga’s $22.5 million salary alone wouldn’t match Antetokounmpo’s $48.8 million, the Warriors have multiple paths to construct a compliant package. Golden State has historically shown willingness to aggregate salaries and absorb luxury-tax costs when chasing championship-level talent — a financial flexibility that separates them from several other potential bidders.
Warriors’ Aggressive History Supports a Big Swing Since Kevin Durant’s departure, the Warriors have remained bold in pursuing elite upgrades around Stephen Curry. Last season, they acquired Jimmy Butler at age 35 and immediately extended him to a two-year, $112 million deal — clear proof of ownership’s commitment to maximizing Curry’s window. Pursuing Antetokounmpo would follow the same philosophy: consolidating future assets for immediate title contention.
Giannis’ Contract Timeline Gives Bucks Leverage Antetokounmpo, 31, becomes eligible for a four-year, $275 million supermax extension on October 1. If no extension is agreed upon, he could become an unrestricted free agent in 2027 by declining a $62.8 million player option. That timeline gives Milwaukee control rather than urgency.
Charania noted: “The Bucks are not in a rush to complete a move.” By waiting, Milwaukee could benefit from expanded draft availability and clearer cap flexibility league-wide in June.
For teams like the Warriors, however, a delayed timeline could intensify competition as more rivals gain access to additional picks and trade flexibility in the offseason.
Warriors Among Best-Positioned Teams While reports suggest Antetokounmpo may prefer destinations such as New York, Miami, or Minnesota, any deal must first satisfy Milwaukee’s return requirements. From an asset and salary-matching standpoint, the Warriors are among the few contenders capable of presenting a package that meets the Bucks’ demands without gutting their core.
As discussions evolve, Milwaukee’s high asking price has narrowed the field — and Golden State remains firmly in contention.
Warriors Nation — is now the time to go all-in for Giannis?
Should Golden State sacrifice Kuminga and picks for Antetokounmpo?Or wait until the offseason to preserve leverage?