If the Milwaukee Bucks choose to move star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo at the Feb. 5 trade deadline, many view the Golden State Warriors as the frontrunners to land the two-time NBA MVP.
ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported Thursday: “The quicker Milwaukee acts, league executives believe, the better chance Golden State has to win the bidding war.” He noted the team’s first-round picks in 2028, 2030 and 2032 could be on the table.
Warriors forwards Jimmy Butler and Jonathan Kuminga were named as players who could potentially be involved in a trade to land Antetokounmpo, though it was noted that the team would prefer to keep Butler in the fold.
Butler suffered a season-ending torn ACL earlier this month, which altered Golden State’s plans for the 2026 trade deadline. Slater reported that the Warriors “have voiced to Butler a plan to keep him despite the ACL tear, believing he will rehab and boost them upon his return at some point next season.” While team sources said they “are not actively shopping his contract,” it was also noted that “everything is on the table in an Antetokounmpo conversation — and Butler is the clear salary match.”
While the Bucks will be fielding trade interest from multiple teams with more established stars like the New York Knicks or Miami Heat, league sources told Slater that they’ve “shown an interest in Kuminga dating to the summer,” and the 23-year-old “would be viewed as an upside swing on a controllable contract as part of the return package.”
Golden State has been exploring the trade market for Kuminga throughout this season, but league sources told Slater it is “less likely he is moved in the wake of the Butler injury.” With more playing time available and a $24.3 million player option this summer, Kuminga’s performance over the rest of the season “could help boost his value and get both sides what they ultimately desire.”
If the Warriors choose to hold onto both Butler and Kuminga, it would obviously diminish their chances of landing Antetokounmpo. However, Slater reported that “a deal involving Draymond Green and several other rotation players is also plausible,” and league sources said that third-year guard Brandin Podziemski “could also help nudge the needle.”
Golden State knows the acquisition of Antetokounmpo would cement the team as a title contender for years to come, but it remains to be seen what it is willing to give up to complete a deal for him.