The Golden State Warriors could put together one of the best trade packages for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, but acquiring the two-time NBA MVP will cost the Dubs at least one veteran star.
“The only player I think in the league that Golden State would be willing to move Draymond Green for would be Giannis Antetokounmpo. That’s the only player,” NBA insider Jake Fischer reported Wednesday.
“Between him and Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski, all of a sudden Golden State probably does have an intriguing package if you’re Milwaukee. But I don’t think that they are going to be pushing Draymond’s salary onto the table — or Jimmy Butler’s salary — for anyone short of him.”
Warriors Expected To Move Jonathan Kuminga
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Tuesday that Golden State will discuss trades for forward Jonathan Kuminga when he is eligible to be moved Jan. 15.
In October, Kuminga finally signed a two-year, $46.8 million deal with the Warriors to end a prolonged contract dispute. As part of the deal, he also waived his inherent no-trade clause.
If the Dubs decide to pursue a player like Antetokounmpo, there’s no doubt that Kuminga’s $22.5 million salary would be used to entice the Bucks in trade talks.
Kuminga, who missed just over two weeks in November due to knee tendinitis, made starts in the first 12 games of the season before head coach Steve Kerr demoted him to a bench role.
He was then a DNP-CD in Sunday’s blowout win in Chicago.
“I’m not really sure [how long it lasts],” Kuminga said Sunday, per ESPN’s Anthony Slater. “But as long as things are working out there and we winning, I don’t see the point of switching anything, changing. Whenever my number get called, I’ll be ready.”
Golden State Has Four First-Round Picks
At last season’s trade deadline, Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. presented an interesting trade package to the Miami Heat that included contract and draft assets to acquire Jimmy Butler.
Although the Warriors traded their 2025 first-rounder to Miami, the Warriors still have access to four first-round picks and three first-round swaps, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
However, because Golden State is hard-capped at the second apron, the team is not allowed to take back more salary than sent out in a trade.
Per Spotrac, the Warriors also have about $24.5 million in salary consisting of guards Moses Moody ($11.6 million), Buddy Hield ($9.2 million), and Brandin Podziemski ($3.7 million).
In addition, they have only one second-round pick available.
Antetokounmpo, 31, is earning $54.12 million this season and $58.45 million in 2026-27. The nine-time All-Star forward remains under contract through 2027-28, but he can become a free agent in the 2027 offseason if he declines his $62.8 million player option.
According to Marks, the Bucks star will be eligible for a four-year, $275 million maximum extension through the 2030-31 season, starting on Oct. 1, 2026.
To acquire Antetokounmpo, the Warriors would likely have to move both Green and Kuminga.
