It has finally happened. What the Golden State Warriors have been waiting for has shockingly come to pass. Giannis Antetokounmpo has publicly requested a trade -- and the Milwaukee Bucks are ready to listen. Giannis could be on the move, and the Warriors are in position to reel him in.
For years, the Bucks and Antetokounmpo have danced awkwardly around one another. The Bucks keep making win-now moves, each more extravagent than the last, to convince Antetokounmpo to stay. And Giannis, not wanting to be the bad guy, has stopped short of publicly demanding a trade.
He still doesn't seem ready to shout it at the Bucks, but he is "ready for a new home" ahead of the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline, as reported by ESPN's Shams Charania. It's a massive development for the Bucks and the entire NBA. Now that things are crystal clear, the Bucks are listening to offers and the Giannis trade sweepstakes is beginning in earnest.
That is a lifeline for the Warriors, who have been reeling after the loss of Jimmy Butler to a season-ending ACL tear. There didn't appear to be a path forward for this season, with all roads leading to an early exit and another wasted year of Stephen Curry's prime. Now there is another option, highlighted in gold with neon arrows pointing to it. "OPEN ME."
The Warriors want to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Warriors have coveted Antetokounmpo for years, and for good reason. He remains one of the singular talents in the league, a phyiscal force and skilled big who continues to put up historic numbers. He is a top-5 player in the league and pairs perfectly with Stephen Curry. Curry, it should be noted, seems to have excellent rapport with Giannis. Now add in that Antetokounmpo has family ties to the Bay Area, and a lot of gravity could be pulling him westward.
For the Bucks to play ball, of course, the Warriors have to come with the strongest package. That would almost certainly mean a package based around Butler, who makes exactly the same amount of money as Antetokounmpo, and the Warriors' full arsenal of draft picks: four firsts, four swaps.
Giannis making his trade demand now rather than this summer helps the Warriors in a major way. Many of the strongest suitors for Antetokounmpo, such as the Miami Heat, Houston Rockets or New York Knicks, all have significant restrictions on what they can offer this season. This summer, for example, the Heat and Knicks will have two additional firsts added to their trade packages. This season their hands are tied.
The Warriors have to come in strong with an offer. They have to be willing to go all-in. If they are, however, the gateway is now open. Trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo and make one last ride with two all-time greats. Give Curry another chance at meaningful playoff moments.
Thanks to Giannis, that dream is now much closer.