The Golden State Warriors, a team that has dominated the NBA over the past decade, are now facing a critical crossroads. With Stephen Curry entering the twilight of his prime, the window to maximize his greatness is closing. But a bold idea floated by The Athletic’s John Hollinger could change everything: what if the Warriors paired Curry with another two-time MVP in Giannis Antetokounmpo?
Hollinger, the former VP of Basketball Operations for the Memphis Grizzlies, outlined a potential trade package that could send Giannis to Golden State. Central to the proposal is Jonathan Kuminga, whom Hollinger describes as “one of the most obvious” pieces the Milwaukee Bucks could demand in exchange for their long-time franchise star. Alongside Kuminga, Moses Moody or Buddy Hield, Draymond Green, and three unprotected first-round picks could complete a blockbuster deal. The premise is clear: Golden State would get Giannis, and Milwaukee would walk away with young talent and draft capital to help sustain a rebuild.
The appeal of such a trade is undeniable for the Warriors. Unlike teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, or Miami Heat, Golden State can offer up to three first-round picks, including their 2026 selection, to make a compelling case for the Greek Freak. While Houston and San Antonio boast even more draft assets, the Warriors’ combination of youth, Curry’s remaining prime, and flexibility could make their offer competitive among the league’s aging title contenders.
Hollinger’s analysis presents a tantalizing question for the Bay Area: if your team is hovering around .500 and Curry’s prime is nearing its end, does it make sense to go all-in on Giannis? The potential upside is staggering. Pairing Curry and Giannis would create a two-headed MVP monster, capable of reshaping the balance of power in the Western Conference. Even if Houston or another suitor could theoretically outbid them, Hollinger urges the Warriors to seriously discuss the possibility—a Hail Mary that could alter NBA history.
Yet the biggest obstacle in any Giannis-to-Warriors trade is Draymond Green. The longtime defensive anchor and former Defensive Player of the Year is untouchable in Golden State’s eyes, except in a deal involving Giannis. According to insider Jake Fischer, “Giannis Antetokounmpo is the only player in the league that the Warriors would move Green for.” His inclusion is not just sentimental; it is essential to make the financials of the trade work.
However, Draymond Green’s willingness to be traded is another critical factor. Reports conflict: ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel cites sources claiming that Golden State considers Green untouchable, even for a game-changing superstar like Giannis. Any trade would require full consent from Green, Curry, and head coach Steve Kerr. Green’s unique bond with Curry and Kerr makes this an emotionally charged equation, adding layers of complexity to what is already a high-stakes scenario.
Meanwhile, the Bucks are in a position of leverage. With a generational talent in Giannis and a roster that has yet to assemble a true championship-caliber supporting cast, Milwaukee could demand young, promising players like Kuminga and Moody, along with first-round picks, to secure the future while capitalizing on Giannis’ prime. It’s a delicate balance: the Bucks’ desire to keep their superstar clashes with the Warriors’ ambition to create a dream pairing that could dominate the NBA.
In the end, a Giannis-to-Warriors trade is a scenario that sits squarely in the realm of blockbuster speculation. While the pieces could technically align, the logistical, financial, and personal hurdles are immense. Yet the mere discussion of such a trade highlights the bold thinking swirling around Golden State as they attempt to maximize Curry’s remaining prime and chase another championship. Whether this remains a hypothetical exercise or evolves into a seismic shift in the league will be one of the most fascinating storylines of the season.
As the trade deadline looms, the NBA world will be watching closely. The stakes are massive, the personalities involved are larger than life, and the implications of a Giannis-to-Warriors deal could rewrite the league’s balance of power. Fans can only wait and wonder: could Curry and Giannis really join forces, or is this just a tantalizing “what if” that will never materialize?
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