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The Golden State Warriors have x-factor in race for Giannis Antetokounmpo

By Nathan Beighle

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 06: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts as he is called for a foul during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 06, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 06: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts as he is called for a foul during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 06, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers had for Anthony Davis what the Golden State Warriors have for Giannis Antetokoumpo — a chance for a ring and a place to call home.

Anthony Davis wanted out of New Orleans. No reports have surfaced that Giannis Antetokounmpo wants out of Milwaukee. If those come to life, it’ll be a similar situation for the Golden State Warriors as it was for the Lakers’ last offseason.

The Lakers traded three first-round picks and three young, high-potential players for Davis. In their mind, it was worth it as the Lakers will be one of the five or six teams with a real shot at the hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy.

That mindset should be what the Warriors take into the 2020 offseason. Obviously it would take Giannis wanting out of Milwaukee, which, after their showing in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, seems likely.

The Bucks have all the leverage until Giannis utters the words “I want out.” While he said that’s “not happening,” the NBA is a league where high-profile change is inevitable.

Everything shifts if he ever would want out as he’d then decline the supermax extension. That would make him a hot trade target this offseason with potential deals shattering records. The Warriors could make some insane offers including two high-value first-round picks.

The No. 2 overall pick would certainly be on the table. The Minnesota Timberwolves 2021 first-round pick would be on the table and then the Warriors 2022 first-round pick may also be on the table.

We recently looked into four realistic packages for Giannis.

Jordan Poole, Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green, Eric Paschall, and potentially even Klay Thompson may be on the table. If a package of all that can’t reel in Giannis from the Bucks, then the Warriors might as well wait for Giannis to be a free agent in 2021.

The x-factor that Golden State has is that Giannis would likely stay. He’s not a one-year rental for the Warriors as he may be for a team like Indiana or New York. The Warriors would then overpay for Giannis in hopes that they could retain him for the long-term future.

Next. Top 30 Golden State Warriors players in franchise history. dark

Both a home for the next decade and a chance at a title should make Golden State an intriguing option for Giannis. For Milwaukee, the plethora of assets they could add from the Warriors is what may have them proposing the best offer for the reigning MVP.

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