Monte Poole, the longtime Warriors insider and columnist for NBC Sports Bay Area, captured the Golden State’s intrigue perfectly. The Milwaukee Bucks are “fully open for business” on trade calls and offers for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. This comes over six weeks before the 2026 NBA Draft (June 23-24) and amid escalating tensions with their franchise star.

Shams reported that Milwaukee’s ownership and front office expect “a young blue-chip talent and/or a surplus of draft picks” in return, but their leverage is waning as Giannis approaches his 2027 opt-out.

As per Monte Poole: “The Warriors, nose pressed to the window, are hyperventilating over the possibility of acquiring their Holy Grail.”

Poole noted the team’s interest, fueled by their 11th overall pick in the upcoming draft and multiple future first-rounders. Golden State could package at least three first-round picks (potentially including back-to-back selections in a strong draft class) alongside salary-matching pieces.

What the Warriors could offer includes hypothetical frameworks around Jimmy Butler (whose return is delayed until late next season), young pieces like Brandin Podziemski or Moses Moody (the latter coming off a breakout year), and a haul of unprotected or lightly protected firsts through the early 2030s.

The Warriors are already in a difficult financial position, deep into the luxury tax with massive contracts tied up in Stephen Curry, Butler, Draymond Green, and the rest of the roster. Bringing in Giannis, who makes around $58 million annually, would require Golden State to send out major salaries in return, likely Butler, Green, or both.

On top of that, the Warriors would probably have to sacrifice most of their remaining draft capital and young depth to make a deal work. Even if they land Giannis, the move could leave them thin across the roster while Curry’s championship window continues to narrow.

This would gut Golden State’s future draft capital and young talent depth at a time when Stephen Curry’s window is narrowing.

The Bucks finished the 2025-26 season with a dismal 32-50 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016 (their worst mark since 2017). Giannis played just 36 games due to recurring injuries, including calf strains and a late-season left knee hyperextension with a bone bruise suffered on March 15 against the Indiana Pacers.

The NBA is investigating the Bucks for their handling of Giannis’ injury status and the league’s player participation policy. An NBA spokesperson said, “The NBA’s Player Participation Policy investigation into the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo is ongoing and certain facts remain in dispute.”

Giannis publicly pushed back, telling reporters he was healthy and available: “Right now. I’m available… I want to fu—– play. You know what I’m saying?” He called the situation “a slap in the face” and described it as “disrespectful” for the team to hold him out. He added that he and the organization are “definitely not on the same page.” Doc Rivers is also out as head coach after the season. The Bucks announced he has “stepped down”, adding to their franchise reset.

At 31, Giannis has averaged a 30-point double-double in four of the past five seasons and remains one of the league’s most complete superstars. His relationship with Milwaukee is strained, he reportedly pushed for an investigation into his knee situation and has signaled it may be time for a change.

Yet personal ties to the Warriors exist: he was the only non-Warrior at Curry’s All-Star party in San Francisco and has expressed respect for Golden State’s championship path. He could prioritize a title chase and a “harder” success story in his next chapter.

The Warriors will have a competition problem

This is Giannis Antetokounmpo we are talking about. It’s not a stretch to suggest most teams in the association are working the math. It doesn’t matter what it takes. The 31-year-old pillar has averaged a 30-point double-double in four of his past five seasons. There aren’t many superstars as complete as Antetokounmpo. And building the team around him doesn’t need a whole lot.

The biggest piece of work is getting the 10-time All-Star. Monte Poole did sell a vision of how the Warriors could be the team to lure him. However, beyond Giannis Antetokounmpo’s willingness, the Bucks’ temptations matter. They aren’t concerned with how Stephen Curry finished his career.

In terms of what’s best for the future, teams like the Miami Heat can offer players whom they can immediately plug into their system. The Knicks, despite their current postseason dominance, have long chased after Giannis Antetokounmpo. If the time came, even the Toronto Raptors could offer the Bucks a more attractive return than the Warriors.

Poole isn’t overselling this as a lock. Many teams (Knicks, Heat, potentially others like the Raptors or Timberwolves) could offer stronger immediate plugs or young talent. The Bucks, honoring Giannis’ service, may factor in his preferred destination, but they’ll prioritize the best return for their franchise’s future.

Poole warned fans: landing the 10-time All-Star and former DPOY “isn’t cheap” and would require “an element of risk that wasn’t there six years ago.”

This is an opportunity for the Warriors to go “big” and revitalize their contention window. Whether they can outbid deeper suitors, or if Giannis even pushes for Golden State, remains to be seen. The sweepstakes are open, but the math is complex.

Do you think the Warriors stand a chance at landing the belligerent forward? Let us know your views in the comments below.