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Golden State Warriors: Dreams of Giannis Antetokounmpo are gone… for now

By Tony Pesta

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 19: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks handles the ball during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Fiserv Forum on December 19, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 19: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks handles the ball during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Fiserv Forum on December 19, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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Signing Giannis Antetokounmpo in the summer is off of the table for the Golden State Warriors, but that doesn’t mean they should give up.

Giannis Antetokounmpo has officially inked his max contract extension with the Milwaukee Bucks to pledge his loyalty through the next six seasons. While this was a major blow to franchises such as the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers, who hoped to steal the two-time MVP in free agency – it doesn’t mean Giannis is off-limits.

We have seen star players sign contract extensions before, only to request a trade soon after. Paul George agreed to a four-year max deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2018, then demanded a trade to the LA Clippers the year after. Chris Paul signed a similar extension with the Clippers before heading to Houston two seasons later. Another example includes Anthony Davis forcing his way out of the final year of his five-year extension with the New Orleans Pelicans to join the Los Angeles Lakers via trade.

The point is, in the era of player empowerment, anything is possible. Sure, Giannis is committed to staying in Milwaukee right now. But, who’s to say that will be the case at the end of the season? Or, next year – or the year after that. Repeated failures in the postseason could push him over the edge and towards a trade request.

The Warriors would certainly be in a prime position to trade for Antetokounmpo if he becomes available. In addition to potentially valuable prospects like Andrew Wiggins, Eric Paschall, Kelly Oubre Jr. and James Wiseman, the Warriors would have no problem unloading the clip on draft picks for a chance to acquire Giannis.

Golden State would have as good a chance as anybody to trade for Giannis in the event he grows frustrated in Milwaukee. While the dream of bringing Giannis to the Bay is dead for now, it may only be a matter of time before he is back on the table.

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