The Golden State Warriors, like almost every team around the NBA, are currently awaiting movement on Giannis Antetokounmpo's future with the Milwaukee Bucks.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein on Monday, "it remains unclear, furthermore, if he (Antetokounmpo) ultimately will or he won't (request a trade)." Needless to say that should the 2x MVP declare his intention to move, the Warriors will be one of a plethora teams interested in what would be a blockbuster trade.
However, Golden State face a huge obstacle to their hopes of trading for Antetokounmpo, and unfortunately for them it's one they can't do anything about.
Warriors face an immovable barrier to landing Giannis Antetokounmpo
According to Stein's report, the Bucks are using their presence in the East and the disparity between the two conferences as a significant case in trying to convince Antetokounmpo to remain with the franchise.
"Word is that the Bucks are trying to build a good bit of their case for convincing Antetokounmpo to give them another shot to build a title team around him by loudly reminding him about the current state of the Eastern Conference," Stein wrote.
Unfortunately for Golden State and every other team in the Western Conference, this is becoming quite the problem and a legitimate reason as to why superstar players may want to join (or remain) in the East.
The gap between the two conferences has only widened in recent weeks, most notably thanks to the Dallas Mavericks' stunning rise to the No. 1 overall pick in the draft lottery and subsequent access to Cooper Flagg. The San Antonio Spurs also rose up to the No. 2 pick, with the two Texas teams jumping up above multiple East teams like the Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets and Brooklyn Nets.
Jayson Tatum's devastating torn achilles has only opened up the East even further. The long-term injury means the Boston Celtics are no longer the powerhouse team they once appeared, not to mention their exorbitant payroll means significant changes are likely coming this offseason regardless.
A healthy pairing of Antetokounmpo and Stephen Curry would assuredly be a playoff team in the West, but it's far from a guarantee of a deep run like it probably would be in the East.
There's very little going in Milwaukee's favor as they deal with a devastating torn achilles of their own with star point guard Damian Lillard, but the East vs. West narrative is a very real factor that could be the difference in the Warriors' hopes of acquiring Antetokounmpo.