Giannis Joining Forces with Curry? Warriors’ Blockbuster Trade Proposal in the Works

In the ever-competitive landscape of the NBA, the Golden State Warriors might be considering one of the boldest moves in recent memory. According to recent suggestions by the ever-watchful American media outlet FW, the Warriors could potentially offer a massive trade package to the Milwaukee Bucks to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo. The proposed deal would reportedly involve Jonathan Kuminga, Andrew Wiggins, Brandin Podziemski, Gary Payton II, and three future first-round picks. This deal would essentially mortgage the Warriors' future in exchange for a short window—perhaps two to three years—to compete for another championship.

With Stephen Curry now 36 years old, his prime—and perhaps his career—does not have many years left. This reality leaves the Warriors with limited time to make another serious run at the title. FW's trade proposal appears to be inspired by the sentiments of NBA legend Paul Pierce, who recently suggested, "The only way for the Warriors to get back into title contention is to pair Curry with Giannis."

The idea of Giannis joining the Warriors isn't new. Back in 2020, speculation about the Greek Freak playing alongside Curry was rampant, but it quieted down after the Bucks won the championship in 2021. Now, with the Bucks' recent struggles and diminished competitiveness, the idea is resurfacing once again.

The critical question that arises is whether Curry and Giannis would truly be a good fit together. Before the 2023-24 season, the answer would have been a resounding yes. However, after witnessing the less-than-stellar results of the Giannis and Damian Lillard pairing last season, doubts have started to creep in. Despite high expectations, the Giannis-Lillard duo didn’t meet the anticipated success, as the Bucks were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.

Nevertheless, if the opportunity arises, the Warriors would likely be eager to gamble on a Curry-Giannis partnership. The struggles of the Lillard-Giannis combination could open the door for the Warriors to swoop in. If the Bucks continue to falter and fail to meet their championship aspirations, it could increase the likelihood of Giannis seeking a way out.

Giannis has hinted at the possibility of leaving Milwaukee multiple times. Last summer, the Bucks managed to quell those rumors by acquiring Lillard and signing Giannis to a three-year, $186 million extension. However, as previously mentioned, neither Giannis nor the Bucks anticipated that the Giannis-Lillard experiment would fall short of expectations. If the situation doesn’t improve soon, the Bucks might consider cutting their losses.

It’s also worth noting that the Bucks made very few roster moves this past summer, which could lead to a repeat of last season's struggles. If the Bucks continue to fall short of their championship goals, Giannis may once again become restless and potentially request a trade. In such a scenario, the Bucks would likely have to acquiesce to his wishes, giving the Warriors a prime opportunity to make their move.

However, it’s important to remember that the Warriors are not the only team eyeing Giannis. Several other franchises could offer more competitive trade packages. When it comes down to it, the Bucks will prioritize maximizing their return, meaning the highest bidder will likely win Giannis’ services.

NBA legend Kevin Garnett has his own take on the matter, stating that Giannis is only the fourth-best player in the Eastern Conference. The question then becomes, where would Giannis rank if he were to move to the Western Conference? According to NBA 2K25 ratings, Giannis boasts a rating of 97, tied with Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic for the highest in the league. This suggests that Giannis could easily be considered one of the top three players in the West, a notable improvement from being ranked fourth in the East.

Interestingly, Giannis’ career trajectory in NBA 2K ratings has been one of the most remarkable in history. His average rating over the years is 88.5, with a rookie rating of just 60. The 28.5-point difference between his rookie rating and his current status is the largest in NBA history, highlighting Giannis as a true rags-to-riches story in the league.

Returning to the main topic, the Warriors’ need for Giannis extends beyond simply wanting to add another championship to Curry’s legacy. Giannis’ presence would also ensure that the team remains competitive and marketable after Curry eventually retires. The Warriors have always been a franchise that thinks ahead, and acquiring Giannis would help secure their future while also providing an immediate boost.

That being said, it’s crucial to remember that other teams are also closely monitoring Giannis’ situation. If the Bucks and Giannis do decide to part ways, there will be no shortage of suitors, some of whom may be able to offer a more attractive package than the Warriors. Ultimately, the Bucks will prioritize their interests, and the team that can provide the most value will likely win the Giannis sweepstakes.

In summary, while the idea of pairing Giannis with Curry in Golden State is tantalizing, it’s far from a done deal. The Warriors will have to compete with other teams and potentially offer everything they have to make it happen. If successful, it could lead to another championship for Curry and a secure future for the Warriors post-Curry. But in the high-stakes world of NBA trades, nothing is guaranteed, and the Warriors will need to be prepared to outbid and outmaneuver their competitors to bring Giannis to the Bay Area.