The Golden State Warriors are entering the 2024-25 NBA season without the roster to realistically win an NBA championship following Klay Thompson’s departure in free agency to the Dallas Mavericks.
Stephen Curry’s future in Golden State isn’t the most stable considering he wants to win a fifth NBA title at all costs but there is a way he can achieve that next year and it involves a blockbuster deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Giannis is the superstar for the Milwaukee Bucks and one of the top five players in the world but there could be a massive trade package the Warriors could send to the Bucks to bring him on board.
Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Andrew Wiggins, Brandin Podziemski, Gary Payton II, 2026 First-Round Pick, 2028 First-Round Pick, 2031 First-Round Pick
This trade would involve the Warriors sending the biggest package they can send since it involves two untouchables (Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski) along with three first-round picks. This is not a typical package the Warriors would send, but for a 28-year-old superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, this deal could work and we break down why.
The Warriors Create The Best Championship Core In The NBA
By acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo (who averaged 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game last season), the Golden State Warriors would instantly form the best championship core in the NBA. Pairing Stephen Curry, one of the greatest shooters and playmakers of all time, with a two-time MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in Giannis, creates a nearly unstoppable duo. Giannis’s ability to dominate in the paint, defend multiple positions, and run the floor complements Curry’s elite shooting, spacing, and off-ball movement perfectly. This combination would make the Warriors a nightmare for opposing defenses, as Curry’s gravity on the perimeter (26.4 points, 5.1 assists per game on 40.8% from three) and Giannis’s interior dominance would leave opponents scrambling to contain both.
Draymond Green’s return as the small-ball center (8.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game in 2023-24) would be pivotal to the Warriors’ success. His defensive leadership, playmaking, and experience in the Warriors’ system would allow the team to maintain their signature ball movement and defensive intensity. Green’s ability to defend multiple positions and orchestrate the offense would relieve Giannis of playmaking duties, allowing the Greek Freak to focus on scoring and rebounding. The trio of Curry, Giannis, and Green would bring a championship pedigree and a winning mentality that few teams could match, solidifying their place as title favorites.
Rounding out the lineup with new signings like Buddy Hield (38.6% 3-PT FG), who can replace Klay Thompson as a spot-up shooter, and the improvement of Moses Moody, the Warriors could have a lethal supporting cast. Hield would thrive in a system where he consistently receives open looks from Curry and Giannis’s attention-drawing play. Meanwhile, Kyle Anderson and De’Anthony Melton would add defensive versatility and playmaking depth, while Trayce Jackson-Davis offers additional size and rebounding off the bench. This revamped roster, led by Curry and Giannis, would make the Warriors the team to beat in the 2024-25 NBA season.
The Bucks Rebuild With Two Young Talents Alongside Damian Lillard
If the Milwaukee Bucks were to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo due to a variety of reasons including the superstar forcing his way out, the package from the Golden State Warriors would allow them to rebuild with a solid foundation. Jonathan Kuminga is a high-upside forward with the potential to become a star in the NBA after having a breakout season in 2023-24 posting 16.1 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. His athleticism, defensive potential, and ability to score at all three levels make him an ideal candidate to develop alongside Damian Lillard. Kuminga could immediately slot into a starting role, where Lillard’s leadership and experience would help him grow into a more consistent and impactful player.
Brandin Podziemski, another key piece in the deal, has shown flashes of being a reliable shooter and playmaker. Starting alongside Lillard, Podziemski could provide additional spacing and ball handling, helping to alleviate the pressure on Lillard to carry the offense. His ability to shoot from deep would fit well with Lillard’s playmaking, while his youth and energy would inject new life into the Bucks’ backcourt. With time, Podziemski could develop into a key contributor as the Bucks transition into a new era.
The inclusion of three future first-round picks gives the Bucks the flexibility to continue retooling their roster. These picks could be used to draft young talent or packaged in future trades to acquire established players who fit alongside Lillard and the young core. While losing Giannis would be a significant blow, the combination of Kuminga, Podziemski, and the draft assets allows Milwaukee to pivot toward a new direction without falling into a lengthy rebuild. With Lillard still capable of performing at an elite level, the Bucks could remain competitive in the short term while building a strong foundation for the future.
A Blockbuster (And Overpriced) Trade Deal For Giannis Antetokounmpo
The proposed trade deal is undoubtedly a blockbuster, and from the Warriors’ perspective, it’s an overpriced package that sacrifices a significant amount of their future assets. However, the chance to land a generational talent like Giannis Antetokounmpo makes it worth the risk. In this deal, the Warriors would part with Jonathan Kuminga, a player they have been grooming as a future star, and Brandin Podziemski, their promising youngster with a bright future.
Including Andrew Wiggins and Gary Payton II adds even more value, as both players have proven themselves as key contributors to the Warriors’ recent success. Adding three first-round picks to this package further sweetens the deal, showing just how much Golden State is willing to give up for a chance at another championship run. From the Bucks’ standpoint, this deal allows them to rebuild on the fly while still remaining competitive with Damian Lillard as their leader. Kuminga’s potential as a two-way star, combined with Podziemski’s shooting and playmaking, gives Milwaukee a strong young core to develop.
The addition of three first-round picks provides the Bucks with future assets that can be used to either draft new talent or make additional moves in the trade market. While losing Giannis would be a massive blow, the Bucks would be setting themselves up for long-term success by acquiring young talent and valuable draft capital.
Ultimately, this trade represents a win-now move for the Warriors, who are looking to maximize Stephen Curry’s remaining prime years as he approaches 37 years old by pairing him with another superstar. For the Bucks, it’s a chance to start fresh with a new core while still remaining competitive in the Eastern Conference. Though the package may seem steep for the Warriors, acquiring a player of Giannis’s caliber could be the move that brings them another championship and solidifies their dynasty for years to come.
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