“Desperate trades or desperate moves that deplete the future, there is a responsibility on keeping the franchise in a good space and good spot…” said Steph Curry recently when voicing his opinion about making a change to the Warriors roster. Despite the Splash Bro’s desire to not threaten the team’s future by going after big names, one player they cannot stop being linked with is Jimmy Butler. Even former GSW GM Bob Myers seemed to have indirectly endorsed a Butler-Curry team-up. Despite this, if a renowned reporter is to be believed, then the Warriors seem to be heeding Steph’s words about a long-term change.
Earlier today, ESPN reporter Ohm Youngmisuk touched base on the Jimmy Butler trade rumors. Speaking on The Hoop Collective, he said that the Warriors may save up on some draft capital to potentially look into acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo, or a player like him. Youngmisuk highlighted, “I don’t think there’s interest in Butler”.
However, holding a 21-20 record may cause GSW to make decisions that they would not ideally make. But the reporter also believed that acquiring Butler now would close a potential window for the Bay Area franchise. After all, “If they (Warriors) were to do that, you can’t take a swing then if things go bad in Milwaukee with Giannis this summer. And that is why you have to hold on to your assets to make a run at a guy like that if he becomes available.”
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The following remarks come in just days after Bob Myers provided his own opinion about the Heat small forward. The past few weeks have seen tensions rising between Butler and the Heat squad. The player admitting, “I want my joy back… I want to play with a dominant team” was enough to put him into a 7-game suspension and for the Miami front office to finally look into trade deals.
For Bob Myers, this factor shouldn’t dissuade teams from acquiring Butler, since “You want Jimmy Butler? Part of the package is drama.” However, why go through that ‘drama’ if the Warriors can work so much better alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo?
‘The Greek Freak’ holds several advantages on his side that Butler does not. He’s 5 years younger than the Heat star, which ensures a longer run in the Bay. Giannis is averaging 31.4 points this season, in comparison to Butler’s 17.6. He’s been able to record a better shooting accuracy than the small forward. But Giannis’ acquisition will help to fill the gap left behind after Klay Thompson’s exit.
“Because I think Golden State is uniquely positioned for someone like Giannis because of Steph’s friendship with Giannis, and Giannis having, kind of like hinted in the past that, you know the Bay might be intriguing to him with the Warriors,” Youngmisuk added. “You got to then hold on to your assets for that.”
Cutting ties with both Klay Thompson, who currently plays under a 3-year, $50 million contract, and Chris Paul left a gap in the Warriors’ offensive effort. Initially, Jerry Stackhouse highlighted that both Buddy Hield and Kyle Anderson could help fill that gap.
Hield had certainly lived up to a few expectations at the beginning of the ongoing season. However, he has averaged only 11.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in January. This only helps to bolster the argument for a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo acquisition.
‘The Greek Freak’ is reportedly set to earn $54.1 million during the 2025-26 season. Therefore, Joe Lacob and the Warriors’ management will have to make big tweaks to accommodate the Milwaukee talisman. Taking such a risk would not be worthwhile if Giannis himself did not wish to come… However, a 2-year-old video might help shed some light on the Bucks star’s intentions.
Giannis Antetokounmpo had a hilarious reaction when a Warriors trade was proposed to him!
Back in May 2023, during the off-season, Giannis Antetokounmpo held an Instagram live session. During the same, a fan wrote in the comments- “Bro, please come to the Warriors”. The ‘Greek Freak’ read the comment immediately, looking as if he was in deep thought. He conversed with someone else off the camera. Later, he turned to the camera, shook his head hilariously, and simply said, “Hey man.”
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That reaction definitely cannot be considered a ‘Yes’. But at the same time, it cannot be taken as a ‘No’, either, can it?
Acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo would go a long way in helping the Warriors’ offense. Furthermore, it would ensure that there will be someone to lead the team after Stephen Curry and Draymond Green exit.
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The choice is now up to the front office. In the meantime, the fanbase can merely only speculate over what is to come next. If given the power to make trades for the Bay Area side, basically the Joe Lacob seat, what would you have done?
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