While the February 8th trade deadline has come and gone, speculation still swirls around potential player movement in the NBA. With Stephen Curry leading the charge, the Golden State Warriors are reportedly seeking another MVP-caliber talent, and Giannis Antetokounmpo has emerged at the top of the rumor mill.
But hold on! Other interested teams could muddle the Warriors’ potential dream collaboration. Should the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, or even the New York Knicks enter the bidding war, the Warriors might need to adjust their expectations.
Let's pretend Giannis asks for a trade this summer. Unlikely, but hey, for the sake of argument.
Why aren't the Thunder just sticking the middle finger to the league and offering 10 picks? Or the Spurs? Hell even the Knicks.
The Warriors can't win that bidding war. https://t.co/HkmhslAFRO
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) February 20, 2024
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The Greek Freak has become a decorated player in the NBA after getting picked 15th overall in the 2013 NBA draft by the Milwaukee Bucks and leading them to their historical championship in 47 years! This raises the question: are the Bucks truly prepared to part ways with their superstar next season?
Pledging his future to the Milwaukee Bucks in October, his contract was extended until the end of the 2026-27 season, and has a player option for the 2027-28 season. However, a trade remains a possibility, especially if the Warriors are aggressive in the market. Paul George and Kevin Durant are other mentioned stars with similar obstacles to a potential path to San Francisco.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time rumors have swirled between the “Greek Freak” and the Dubs. Back in May 2023, when a fan asked two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo to join the Warriors, this was his reaction:
“Somebody said, ‘Please come to the Warriors.’ … Hey man.”
Do you see Giannis heading to the Bay Area in the near future? 🤔
(via qolua/TT) pic.twitter.com/exIWa3Qf77
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 18, 2023
Shams Charania of The Athletic noted that the Warriors’ Golden State Warriors eye Giannis Antetokounmpo as their dream offseason acquisition. The addition of the forward would not only provide an offensive boost alongside sharpshooter Stephen Curry but also bring rebounding and veteran leadership benefiting young players like Trayce Jackson-Davis and Jonathan Kuminga.
The Warriors’ ‘dream scenario’ superstar this summer is Giannis Antetokounmpo, per @ShamsCharania.
If the Bucks fall short of their title goals, these rumors could go crazy 👀 pic.twitter.com/OTTCOT3ePM
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 19, 2024
Before the Giannis trade rumors swirled, the Golden State Warriors reportedly pursued LeBron James, but the deal never materialized. Both players share a reputation for incredible chase-down blocks, potentially appealing to the Warriors who currently rank 16th in opponent points allowed in the paint (50.6 ppg) and struggle against fast breaks (8th worst, 14.9 ppg).
Bidding War On The Horizon?
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Giannis’ availability would spark a bidding war across the league. While trading him could maximize his value and improve the Bucks’ assets, it seems illogical for them as a Championship contender team, stacked with NBA’s elite talents. Moreover, Giannis has been known for his fierce loyalty to the only team that took a chance on him 10 years ago.
After signing his multi-year extension last year in October, Giannis famously declared, “Milwaukee is where I started my career, it’s our home, it’s where we’re raising our family, and it’s where I’m going to continue to work hard every day to make Bucks fans proud.”
Do you think the “Greek Freak” would seek a trade next season or stick it out with his “home team”? Comment your thoughts below!
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