The Golden State Warriors are no strangers to bold moves, but their latest rumored trade could shake the NBA to its core. After a disappointing second-round playoff exit, the Warriors are reportedly eyeing a blockbuster deal to pair a third superstar with Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, potentially at the cost of a franchise legend.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Dave Holcomb, a jaw-dropping trade proposal is on the table that would see the Warriors part ways with four-time NBA champion Draymond Green and two first-round picks to land Milwaukee Bucks’ superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. The $175 million Eastern Conference All-Star, known as the Greek Freak, could form the league’s most formidable Big Three alongside Curry and Butler, instantly elevating Golden State back into championship contention.
“Two-team swaps seem rare in today’s NBA,” Holcomb noted. “It could very well take a third or even a fourth team to make a trade between the Bucks and Warriors work.” For Milwaukee, the deal would bring much-needed draft capital to replenish their depleted stock after years of championship pursuits, along with Green, a versatile forward capable of stepping into Antetokounmpo’s role.
For the Warriors, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Trading Green, a defensive maestro and the heartbeat of their dynasty, would be a gut-wrenching decision. Yet, the allure of Antetokounmpo—a two-time MVP and 2021 NBA champion—might be too tempting to resist. The 30-year-old has spent his entire career with the Bucks, but recent struggles, including a first-round playoff exit and the surprising decision to waive star point guard Damian Lillard, have cast doubt on Milwaukee’s ability to keep their fiery competitor satisfied.
Antetokounmpo’s fit in Golden State isn’t without its challenges. His limited perimeter shooting (a career 22.2% from three) could clog the Warriors’ free-flowing offense, which thrives on spacing. However, his dominance as a walking double-double—averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 1.2 blocks on 60.1% shooting last season—more than makes up for it. Antetokounmpo’s ability to blow past defenders with a single move, draw fouls at the free-throw line, and wreak havoc defensively with his elite ball-tracking and 7-foot wingspan would add a new dimension to the Warriors’ game plan.
If general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. can pull off this audacious trade, the Warriors could be hoisting another Larry O’Brien Trophy sooner than later. Pairing Antetokounmpo’s relentless drive with Curry’s sharpshooting and Butler’s clutch tenacity would create a trio capable of overwhelming any opponent. But at what cost? Trading Green, a fan favorite and the architect of Golden State’s defensive identity, would mark the end of an era.
As the NBA offseason heats up, all eyes are on the Warriors. Will they sacrifice their past glory for a shot at a new dynasty? The answer could reshape the league’s landscape for years to come.