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Credit-Imagn Images
The trade window opened with a storm of drama surrounding Jimmy Butler. As his relationship with the Heat soured, the Suns appeared to be the knight in shining armor ready to rescue the veteran from Miami. But the script took a dramatic turn just a couple of hours ago with him heading to the Golden State. But the drama isn’t over. The hype is still alive, only now the spotlight has shifted. Jimmy Butler is no longer the main character but it’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has grabbed the center stage.
While the Warriors have acquired Jimmy Butler, there are growing speculations that GM Mike Dunleavy could have a bigger plan in mind, and he could be used as a sacrifice in a future trade. And you’ve probably already guessed which star that trade could be for. The discussion sparked on Warriors Plus Minus podcast, where a hypothetical scenario was proposed; If Giannis becomes available for trade in July, did the Warriors harm themselves by adding Jimmy?
Anthony Slater believed, “The first-round pick is something you would put into an offer like that. It’s not a great, it’s part of the offer. That’s the only thing I think that they’ve completely sacrificed. But they could trade Jimmy for something, like they could trade Jimmy for Giannis or Jimmy for things that can get you Giannis.” Holding onto too many star players could hurt the Warriors’ cap space, but trading the former Heat star for the Bucks’ star would actually benefit the team in the long run.
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The Warriors insider further added, “I think they’re in relatively about the same position as they would be if Giannis becomes available or Kevin, if Durant changes his mind or that becomes an option down the road. I think they’re about in the same position.” Well, they were considering a reunion with Kevin Durant last week, but his private conversation with Stephen Curry revealed his stance on the matter, he’s not up for it. But with trade rumors about Giannis growing, a former Bucks star believes he’ll be leaving soon.
Former Bucks star believes Giannis Antetokounmpo might make a move
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Before the season began, Giannis Antetokounmpo hinted that if the Bucks don’t win the championship this season, he’ll pack his bags. While many dismissed it, his ex-teammate, DeMarcus Cousins, emphasized that it shouldn’t be taken lightly. And this comes from experience.
“One thing I learned being his teammate is that there is always truth in his humor, and he’s a lot smarter than he likes to give,” the boogie said on Run It Back. “So the things that he says, there’s truth in it always. So I could see that happening.”
Boogie Cousins believes Giannis could leave Milwaukee if things don’t work out
“As his teammate I learned there’s always truth in his humor…if the Bucks don’t work out, I could absolutely see him in Chicago.”
(🎥 @RunItBackFDTV )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 6, 2025
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If the Bucks fail to close the season strong in the playoffs, their worst nightmare could become reality and Giannis might decide to part ways. With the trade deadline nearly closing, Giannis will stay in Milwaukee for the next couple of months but after that, anything could happen. Will Giannis head to the Warriors or will he stay with the Bucks? Let us know your thoughts!
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Did the Warriors make a mistake with Butler, or is he the key to landing Giannis?
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Did the Warriors make a mistake with Butler, or is he the key to landing Giannis?
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