Warriors Hit With Brutal News on Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Pursuit

This year’s offseason will be a harsh reality check for several franchises chasing contention. The Golden State Warriors are one and their reality check is a play-in tournament exit. 

The focus will quickly shift to major roster moves with the main agenda reportedly being the long-rumored pursuit of Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. 

However, this proposed mouthwatering move to the Bay Area could hit a roadblock before it even materializes. Why? Because the Warriors are thin in assets. 

According to ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel, Golden State simply lacks the leverage Milwaukee seeks. 

“While the Warriors’ future draft assets are clearly more appealing than those other teams, like the Miami Heat, can offer for Giannis, the fact of the matter is that Golden State lacks leverage in trade talks,” Siegel wrote. 

The Warriors received the No. 11 pick in the draft lottery. They are reportedly willing to trade that pick but it may lack negotiating position for any potential move for Milwaukee’s Greek superstar. 

Warriors’ Vulnerabilities In The Trade Market 

Without Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler for most of the second half of the season, the Warriors stood no chance of being competitive. The rumored trade has started to seem like a necessity for Golden State. 

Targeting Antetokounmpo with a thin asset pool is not going to make the Bucks bulge. Brandin Podziemski or other veterans could be their only source to make a move. However, except for Podziemski, veterans won’t likely be on the Bucks’ plans for rebuilding if they move their superstar. 

GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 05: Head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors claps after a basket during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

“Neither [Draymond] Green nor Butler would hold much value to a team like the Bucks if they were to trade Antetokounmpo, and the Warriors don’t have a young, ‘blue-chip prospect’ Milwaukee is said to want,” Siegel added.

The Butler situation is even more complex because he is still rehabilitating from the ACL injury he suffered in mid-January. He will miss some early parts of next season as such any team banking on having the 36-year-old superstar will have to consider that. 

Green isn’t the same player he was a decade or so ago. He may contribute defensively in spots but he isn’t the ideal veteran to elevate a roster. 

Milwaukee reportedly held out some strong offers before the deadline in order to get better offers this summer. Their asking price will revolve around getting a high upside piece to build around as well as good future draft assets and picks. 

Trade Remains Unfeasible for Golden State?

GettyMILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – MARCH 10: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after a foul called on him during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Fiserv Forum on March 10, 2026 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 John Fisher/Getty Images)

The bigger picture is that a trade for Antetokounmpo to the Bay Area will be more than an asset mismatch. Practical barriers make the acquisition of the Greek star highly improbable.

Antetokounmpo will be on a salary of around $58.5 million for next season as part of his extension he signed in 2023. This in essence creates enormous cap complications for Golden State.

The Warriors are already in deep luxury tax waters. They have one of the highest payrolls in the league, no thanks to having Curry and Butler on the roster. Adding Antetokounmpo to that list can only be done by complex manoeuvring to stay under apron restrictions.

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