ESPN NBA analyst Brian Windhorst sees a potential path for the Warriors to target Giannis Antetokounmpo, though he cautions that they are unlikely to succeed in a bidding war.
“Yes, the Warriors could create a package,” Windhorst noted on ESPN’s Get Up. “They have future draft picks and some promising young talent. For instance, Brandon Podziemski was viewed as untouchable last year. It remains to be seen if that will continue this year. However, they can’t win in a bidding competition.”
“First off, I want to clarify that Giannis has not stated a desire to leave Milwaukee, so we shouldn’t leap to conclusions. If there comes a moment when he considers his options, he will have input in that decision. With two years left on his contract, the Bucks are under no obligation to cater to him. Yet, if Giannis were to approach Milwaukee with the desire to join Steph [Curry], a trade could be possible. The same scenario would be true for the [New York] Knicks or [Los Angeles Lakers] if he indicated a wish to join those teams. These are significant factors. Such trades can be arranged. However, if it turns into a free market situation, I doubt any of those three teams could outbid the Bucks.”
The Warriors have been linked to Antetokounmpo during previous offseasons, but no major developments have materialized.
With Steph’s championship window closing, they may explore tactics akin to those of the Lakers regarding their pursuit of Giannis.
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