Can the Golden State Warriors ever return to their Championship-contending dynasty days? It’s been two years since the franchise last lifted the Larry O’Brien trophy, and the recent season saw them not only failing to reach the Finals but also miss the playoffs entirely. With Klay Thompson’s exit, the future now seems more in doubt for Stephen Curry and Co. than ever before. Paul Pierce had come up with a sparkly solution to the dilemma. However, as it turns out, someone already had the idea before him.

In February 2024, Shams Charania claimed that the Warriors were reportedly targeting the Bucks’ young gun Giannis Antetokounmpo for an acquisition. This news came right after the journalist’s colleagues from The Athletic Sam Amick, Anthony Slater, and Jovan Buha named the Greek Freak as a “dream acquisition.” With the jaw-dropping proposal to acquire LeBron James before the trade deadline faltering, Giannis was reportedly the next best thing in the franchise’s eyesight.

The report from Shams Charania came six months before 2008 NBA champion Paul Pierce endorsed a Stephen Curry-Giannis Antetokounmpo union. Returning to ‘The Ticket and the Truth’ podcast recently, the 46-year-old highlighted that while Steph may not choose to exit the franchise, his being 36 years old is closing the window for the Warriors to compete for the Larry O’Brien trophy.

Feeling that the All-Time 3-point leader needs some help and a possible Thompson replacement, Pierce stated, “The only way I see Golden State getting back to where they need to get back is if they could find a way to get Giannis over there.”

The 2024-25 NBA season will provide a second chance for the duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard to make a memorable mark in the playoffs. While Milwaukee may not be ready to break off this star partnership, failing to go beyond the first post-season round for the 3rd consecutive time may cause them to make some changes. It won’t be Giannis who may get the boot, however, as his average score of 30.5 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 6 assists over the last three seasons have only benefitted the Bucks.

Having signed a maximum veteran extension of 3 years, $175.4 million, that won’t go active until 2025, the player himself may not be looking to leave. The potential team-up has been on the Warriors’ radar, as well as that of NBA fans. During a Warriors-Bucks game in January, as Stephen Curry watched from the sidelines, Giannis went up to his on-court rival and shared a warm hug. This was enough for fans to ask for a scenario where in both players would don the same colors.

With Paul Pierce claiming “He’s (Curry) going down with that ship”, and Klay Thompson not present to help out his Splash Brother, the presence of someone like the Greek Freak is more vital than ever before. As it turns out, Giannis had already shared his thoughts about potentially joining the Warriors years before any of the current reports came to life.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s positive reaction when he was asked to join the Warriors!

Back in May 2023, during the Milwaukee off-season, Giannis Antetokounmpo held an Instagram live session. While responding to several of the questions/remarks by his fans, one query caught his attention: ‘Bro, please come to the Warriors.’ Looking somewhat perplexed and taking a few seconds to think, the player repeated the remark to one of his friends. Soon after that, he turned back to the camera, shook his head hilariously, and simply said, “Hey man.” Well, he didn’t say no.

In that one year since Giannis’s remarks, a lot has changed. According to a report by GiveMeSport, if the Warriors want to get their hands on the 2x NBA MVP now, they will have to give up the bulk of their young players, like Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski Moses Moody etc, along with the 1st round picks for every alternate year till 2031. Therefore, despite possibly not having many playing years remaining, Stephen Curry will have to wait for a replacement for his ‘Splash Brother.’

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.