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As the 11th seed in the Western Conference, the Golden State Warriors are in desperate need of a true miracle. Even Stephen Curry’s relentless efforts aren’t enough to push the team over the winning line. Moreover, there’s hardly anyone on the roster who can step up to change the tide. However, a game-changing addition like Giannis Antetokounmpo could potentially turn things around—though that seems like a far-fetched dream for now. In the meantime, the Warriors’ front office is keenly listening to Curry’s words of wisdom.

On January 13, after a gut-wrenching 101-104 loss to the Raptors, Stephen Curry had a message for the front office: “Desperate trades or desperate moves that deplete the future… there is a responsibility on allowing or keeping the franchise in a good space.” The Baby-Faced Assassin wasn’t done, adding, “Doesn’t mean you’re not trying to get better. Doesn’t mean you’re not active if a trade makes sense or if free agency in the summer makes sense.” Translation? The Dubs need smart moves, not quick fixes.

It looks like the Dubs have found a way to follow Curry’s words. Just like the LA Lakers, they had their hawk’s eye fixed on Chicago Bulls‘ center Nikola Vucevic. However, there’s a catch. The Chicago Bulls had a demand that the Bay Area isn’t particularly leaning toward.

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NBA reporter Marc Stein reported: “The Bulls continue to seek a first-round pick in exchange for former All-Star center Nikola Vucevic, league sources say. The Warriors have been at the front of the line in terms of potential Vucevic suitors for weeks but, mired in a 10-20 funk that had them stuck at a lowly No. 11 in the West entering Monday’s play, have to date been unwilling to surrender more than second-round draft capital.”

 

Currently, Vooch is averaging 20.1 ppg, 10.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. With an insane 55.5 FG%, the Montenegrin hoopster seemed like the perfect fit to bolster the Warriors’ roster. Keeping Curry’s warning in mind, the Dubs are saving up for a blockbuster move. They’ve set aside their desire to acquire the $20M star from the Bulls.

There is no secret that Curry and Co. have been pursuing the Greek Freak Giannis Antetokounmpo. Rumors at the start of the season hinted that the 30-year-old, 2x MVP might leave the Bucks. That sparked thoughts of the Warriors adding him to their roster. With Curry’s team sitting 11th in the West at 22-23, only someone like Giannis could pull them out of this slump. So, are the Warriors still chasing after the Greek star?

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Can the Warriors' patience pay off with Giannis, or is it just a pipe dream?

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Stephen Curry’s franchise wants Giannis Antetounmpo for a fifth title

To be honest, a Nikola Vucevic deal won’t cut it if the Warriors want to win the title. Instead, adding the Greek Freak alongside Stephen Curry could be the game-changer they need. With that in mind, the Warriors have a new plan. They’re holding on to their assets, eyeing the trade deadline. The goal? A starrier blockbuster move. Enter: eight-time All-NBA power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Bucks. Suddenly, the dream just got bigger.

As Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN said on the Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective podcast, the Warriors are open to a deadline deal, but they’re eyeing the big fish—Giannis Antetokounmpo—this summer. “I understand where they’re coming from,” Youngmisuk explained. “If you only have so many assets, you hold them for a true franchise-altering superstar.”

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He added, “If you give up those assets now for a Nikola Vucevic or a Jimmy Butler, you can’t swing for Giannis if he becomes available.” The Warriors know when to play their cards. However, how great will these cards lay out for the Dubs? Besides, there are high chances that things could flip!

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The Warriors are playing the long game, saving assets for a summer move for Giannis. Nikola Vucevic might help, but he’s not the answer to Stephen Curry & Co. As Ohm Youngmisuk said, they’re holding out for a true superstar. If Giannis Antetokounmpo becomes available, they’ll be ready. The dream could still happen.

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Can the Warriors' patience pay off with Giannis, or is it just a pipe dream?

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