Rumors surrounding Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and a potential move to the Golden State Warriors have set the NBA offseason ablaze. Reports of a possible agreement have sparked excitement, but the reality is far more complex. While no official trade has been confirmed as of May 21, 2025, speculation about the two-time MVP joining forces with Stephen Curry has fans and analysts buzzing. However, the price—both in terms of assets and salary cap gymnastics—would be astronomical. Let’s dive into the latest developments, the feasibility of such a deal, and what it could mean for the Warriors.
The Rumor Mill: Where It All Started
The buzz around Giannis Antetokounmpo potentially leaving Milwaukee intensified after the Bucks’ third consecutive first-round playoff exit in 2025. Reports indicate that Antetokounmpo is “open-minded” about exploring options outside Milwaukee, though he has not formally requested a trade. His connection with Warriors star Stephen Curry, fueled by their shared agency (Octagon) and a notable meeting at Curry’s All-Star weekend party in San Francisco, has kept Golden State in the conversation as a potential destination.
Insiders like Logan Murdock have noted that Antetokounmpo is “very, very intrigued” by the idea of teaming up with Curry, a sentiment echoed by ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, who suggested there is a “pathway” for the Warriors to land the Greek Freak—albeit with significant hurdles. However, recent reports from The Athletic indicate that the Warriors are not currently at the forefront of the Giannis sweepstakes, focusing instead on their existing core of Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler.
The Price of a Superstar
Acquiring a player of Antetokounmpo’s caliber—averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game in the 2024-25 season—comes with a steep cost. His current contract, valued at $54.1 million for the 2025-26 season with three years remaining (including a player option for 2027-28), poses significant salary cap challenges. The Warriors, already over the cap, would need to send out substantial salary to make a trade work, likely involving key players and draft assets.
A realistic trade package could include:
Jonathan Kuminga: A young star eligible for a contract extension, potentially commanding $30-40 million annually.
Other Players: Players like Buddy Hield, Gary Payton II, or Moses Moody could be included to match salaries.
Draft Picks: The Warriors would likely need to offer multiple first-round picks, though their limited draft capital could hinder their ability to compete in a bidding war.
Social media speculation on X has proposed various trade scenarios, such as sending Kuminga, Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and draft picks to Milwaukee, or even involving Draymond Green in a multi-team deal with a third team like the Detroit Pistons. However, these are fan-driven hypotheticals and lack official confirmation.
The Warriors’ acquisition of Jimmy Butler has also complicated matters. Trading for Giannis would likely require moving either Butler or Green to match salaries, a move the Warriors are reportedly reluctant to make. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst noted that the Warriors “can’t win a bidding war” against teams with more draft picks, like the San Antonio Spurs or Dallas Mavericks, unless Antetokounmpo specifically pushes for Golden State.
Why the Warriors Might Hesitate
Despite the allure of pairing Antetokounmpo’s rim gravity with Curry’s three-point prowess, several factors make this deal unlikely:
Cap Constraints: The Warriors’ payroll, already burdened by high salaries for Curry, Green, and Butler, leaves little room to accommodate Giannis’ $54.1 million cap hit.
Asset Limitations: Golden State lacks the draft picks to compete with teams like Dallas, which could offer the No. 1 pick (Cooper Flagg) or other young talent.
Commitment to Current Core: Reports suggest the Warriors are focused on building around Curry, Green, and Butler, with no early indications of pursuing Giannis aggressively.
Bucks’ Demands: Milwaukee is expected to demand a haul that could “gut” any acquiring team, potentially leaving Giannis in a less competitive situation elsewhere.
Moreover, the Warriors’ recent playoff performance—eliminated in the second round by the Minnesota Timberwolves—has shifted their focus to addressing needs like rebounding and interior defense, possibly targeting players like Kristaps Porzingis instead of Antetokounmpo.
What’s Next?
Antetokounmpo is set to meet with the Bucks next week to discuss the team’s future, a pivotal moment that could clarify his intentions. If he pushes for a trade and expresses a preference for Golden State, the Warriors could explore creative trade structures, such as a sign-and-trade involving Kuminga. However, without Giannis forcing the issue, the Warriors are unlikely to outbid teams with deeper asset pools.
Conclusion
The idea of Giannis Antetokounmpo joining the Golden State Warriors is a tantalizing prospect, but as of now, it remains a rumor without substance. The price—both in assets and financial maneuvering—would be unprecedented, potentially gutting the Warriors’ depth and future flexibility. While the mutual admiration between Giannis and Curry keeps the dream alive, practical barriers and the Warriors’ commitment to their current roster make this blockbuster unlikely. Fans should brace for more speculation, but a deal of this magnitude would require Giannis to take the lead in demanding a move to the Bay Area.