Warriors’ Dream Trade: Giannis Antetokounmpo Tops Wish List
In a surprising turn of events, the Golden State Warriors have set their sights on Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Warriors’ lead decision-makers believe that with Stephen Curry’s longevity, they have a few more seasons of contention left. To make this dream scenario a reality, the Warriors would need to explore a trade for Antetokounmpo.
Antetokounmpo recently signed a 3-year extension with the Bucks, worth a staggering $175 million on top of his original 5-year supermax deal worth $225 million. This means that the Bucks have secured the services of the “Greek Freak” until the 2026-27 season. However, there is a glimmer of hope for the Warriors. Antetokounmpo has a player option of $62.9 million for the 2027-28 season, which could potentially open the door for a trade.
For the Warriors to acquire Antetokounmpo, they would need him to become disgruntled with the Bucks. The team has been struggling since a midseason coaching change, and their desired results have yet to materialize. With a 3-7 record under new coach Doc Rivers, the Bucks are teetering on the edge of a potential trade scenario.
Warriors forward Draymond Green has made it clear that he wants to keep Jonathan Kuminga off-limits in any potential trade for LeBron James. Kuminga’s rise, combined with Green’s return from suspension, has been instrumental in the Warriors’ recent success. Since Green’s return, Kuminga has been averaging impressive numbers, including 21.0 points on 57.1% shooting, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game.
Green acknowledged that his suspension may have inadvertently helped the team’s depth. He praised Kuminga’s performance, stating that he has become the bona fide number two option for the team. While Green did not wish for the suspension or view it as a positive, he acknowledged its impact on the team’s offensive dynamics.
The Warriors’ pursuit of Antetokounmpo is still in its early stages, but if they can make it happen, it could potentially be a game-changer for the team. With Curry’s leadership and Antetokounmpo’s undeniable talent, the Warriors could once again become serious contenders in the NBA.
Kuminga’s rise as the Warriors’ no. 2 has caused a major shakeup in the team, with former sidekick Klay Thompson now finding himself on the bench. This is a significant change for Thompson, who had been a starter for the past 12 years. However, he didn’t let this setback bring him down. In fact, during their recent game against the Utah Jazz, Thompson came off the bench and delivered an outstanding performance, scoring a season-high 35 points.
Thompson’s response to being moved to the second unit was nothing short of impressive. He embraced the decision even before the game started, acknowledging that he deserved it. He also took responsibility for his previous poor performance and apologized to the assistant coaches. This change in attitude seemed to have a positive effect on him, as he was able to let his guard down and play freely on the court.
Interestingly, Thompson found inspiration in Manu Ginobili, a legendary guard who played for the San Antonio Spurs. Ginobili was known for his ability to come off the bench and make a significant impact on the game. He won four championships with the Spurs in this role, earning him a place in the Basketball Hall of Fame. Thompson hopes to follow in Ginobili’s footsteps and prove that he can be just as effective coming off the bench.
Overall, Thompson’s move to the bench has been a surprising twist in the Warriors’ season. However, Thompson’s stellar performance and positive attitude show that he is ready to embrace this new role and make the most of it. It will be interesting to see how this change affects the team dynamics and if Thompson can continue to shine in his new position.
According to the Source heavy.com