The Golden State Warriors have emerged as the team to beat in any potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, according to one NBA insider outlining how the race could unfold.
Brian Windhorst discussed Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future while assessing which franchises are best positioned if the Milwaukee Bucks formally open trade talks.
His comments placed the Golden State Warriors firmly at the centre of any realistic bidding process for the Greek Freak.
Golden State Warriors viewed as frontrunners in Giannis Antetokounmpo race
Brian Windhorst addressed the situation while explaining how rival teams would need to structure offers for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
He said any serious contender would have to match the flexibility and draft control held by Golden State ahead of February 5th.
“Everyone else is gonna have to try to beat a strong Golden State offer if it comes. Giannis is ready to be gone, he wants to be traded.“
“The Bucks are ready to listen to offers, and this is a maneuver to say ‘send us your offers.’ Everything else is politicking; just put it aside, don’t worry about it.
“Just move on. So now, what the Bucks have to do is, they have to look at who has done this best. Who should they mimic?”
Windhorst said Golden State’s position is strengthened by the assets it can place on the table, especially when it comes to matching salary.
“They can trade all of them, up to four firsts and swaps and stuff like that. Steph Curry is there, they have an immediate need for a star player.“
“This is where this discussion begins: It’s Golden State and everybody else is going to have to try and beat a strong Golden State offer if it comes.”
Draft assets give Golden State Warriors clear advantage
Brian Windhorst pointed to recent NBA history to explain what the Milwaukee Bucks are likely to prioritise in a deal.
He said future draft picks and young players like Jonathan Kuminga would take precedence over win-now returns.
“Let’s just look back to 2019 and the Oklahoma City Thunder. They had to trade Paul George and Russell Westbrook.“
“They prioritized far-out draft picks and really good young players; they ended up getting picks they still haven’t gotten from the LA Clippers yet and a future MVP in Shai Gilgeous Alexander, so that’s what they’re looking for.”
The comparison highlights why Golden State is viewed as uniquely equipped if Giannis Antetokounmpo becomes available.
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