The prospect of Giannis Antetokounmpo joining the Golden State Warriors has been a topic of speculation, but several factors complicate the possibility.
**Trade Attempts and Interest**
The Warriors have previously expressed interest in acquiring Giannis. In February 2025, they reached out to the Milwaukee Bucks about a potential trade, though the Bucks were not interested in moving their star player . Additionally, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst noted that while there’s a theoretical path for Giannis to join the Warriors, it would require him to request a trade, as he is under contract with the Bucks through the 2026–27 season.
**Salary Cap Challenges**
Financial constraints pose a significant hurdle. Giannis’s \$48.7 million salary for the 2024–25 season would necessitate the Warriors sending out matching contracts. Given their hard cap, this would likely involve trading players like Andrew Wiggins, Gary Payton II, Kevon Looney, and either Jonathan Kuminga or Moses Moody . Such a move could disrupt the team’s depth and long-term flexibility.
**Organizational Dynamics**
The Warriors’ front office has shown interest in pairing Giannis with Stephen Curry. Team governor Joe Lacob has reportedly had aspirations of bringing Giannis to Golden State for an extended period . However, any potential trade would require Giannis’s consent, as he has stated he wouldn’t request a trade and would need to be “kicked out” of Milwaukee.
**Conclusion**
While the idea of Giannis joining the Warriors is intriguing, significant financial and contractual obstacles make such a move unlikely in the near future. Unless Giannis expresses a desire to leave Milwaukee and the Bucks are open to trade discussions, the prospect remains speculative .