The Golden State Warriors are no strangers to pursuing elite talent, and team owner Joe Lacob has long harbored hopes of landing one of the NBA’s biggest stars: Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Though the two-time MVP remains committed to the Milwaukee Bucks, Lacob has reportedly envisioned a future where Antetokounmpo teams up with Stephen Curry in the Bay Area. According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, this dream has been on Lacob’s radar for years.
Lacob’s Ambitions: Pairing Curry with Giannis
In a recent episode of The TK Show podcast, Amick revealed that Lacob “has had dreams of Giannis coming the Warriors’ way for a very long time.” While a trade seems unlikely in the near future, the Warriors are keeping an eye on Antetokounmpo’s situation, especially as the Bucks face uncertainties regarding their championship window.
With players like Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez aging, and new teammate Damian Lillard entering his mid-thirties, questions about Milwaukee’s long-term prospects linger.
Antetokounmpo has made it clear that winning remains his priority. In an August 2023 interview with The New York Times, he stated, “I want to win a championship. The moment I feel like, oh, yeah, we’re trying to rebuild, I’m gone.” Should the Bucks fall short of his championship expectations, Antetokounmpo may consider a new path—potentially opening the door for teams like Golden State to make their move.
Giannis and Curry: A Dream Duo
The prospect of Giannis Antetokounmpo joining forces with Stephen Curry is an enticing thought for Warriors fans. Curry’s unparalleled shooting forces defenses to stretch the floor, creating open lanes for his teammates. Meanwhile, Giannis thrives in space, using his size and athleticism to dominate inside.
A Curry-Giannis partnership would be a nightmare for opposing defenses, blending outside shooting with unstoppable rim attacks and defensive versatility.
Though the likelihood of Antetokounmpo leaving Milwaukee remains low, the Warriors are prepared to act if the opportunity arises.
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With his contract running through 2027 and a player option in 2028, any potential Giannis trade would be far down the road—but Lacob’s dream persists.
Warriors’ Interest in Jimmy Butler
While Giannis remains Lacob’s long-term target, the Warriors have also been linked to another star: Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler. According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, Golden State may have explored the possibility of acquiring Butler this past summer, especially as the All-Star forward’s contract extension with the Heat remains unresolved.
As the Warriors seek to extend Stephen Curry’s championship window, Butler could be an ideal addition. Golden State’s efforts to land stars like Paul George and Lauri Markkanen in the offseason fell short, making Butler an attractive option. A potential trade package could see the Warriors offering key assets such as Jonathan Kuminga, Andrew Wiggins, Kevon Looney, and multiple future draft picks in exchange for Butler.
Defensively, Butler’s grit would complement Draymond Green, forming a formidable duo on both ends of the floor. Offensively, Butler’s ability to score inside would balance Curry’s perimeter shooting, giving the Warriors a dynamic offensive punch.
While it would require sacrificing depth and future assets, adding Butler would signal Golden State’s commitment to a “win-now” strategy.
Warriors’ Near Acquisition of Paul George
Before missing out on other superstar targets, the Warriors came close to landing Paul George this past offseason. Now with the Philadelphia 76ers, George revealed on his Podcast P show that a trade to Golden State was almost finalized before falling through.
He explained that the Warriors were serious about acquiring him and had planned a deal that would have allowed them to retain Klay Thompson, along with key players like Draymond Green, Stephen Curry, Jonathan Kuminga, and Kevon Looney. The Warriors saw him as a perfect fit with their existing stars, but negotiations stalled when the LA Clippers declined the trade offer.
Golden State reportedly offered multiple trade packages, including expiring contracts, young players, and a 2027 first-round pick, but the Clippers refused. “That deal was close to being done from what I was being told,” George shared. “They were expressing just how much they wanted me there, how I could have fit in perfectly with Draymond, Steph, and Klay.”
While the deal ultimately didn’t materialize, the potential addition would have given Golden State a lethal trio of sharpshooters—George, Curry, and Thompson—who all shot over 38% from beyond the arc last season. His defensive versatility would have also bolstered the Warriors’ lineup, making them a formidable contender in the Western Conference.
Instead, he signed a four-year deal with the 76ers, while the Warriors pivoted to smaller moves, adding role players like De’Anthony Melton, Buddy Hield, and Kyle Anderson to shore up their roster.
Warriors’ Previous Interest in LeBron James
Another star the Warriors once set their sights on was none other than LeBron James. Around last February’s trade deadline, rumors surfaced about a potential trade between the Lakers and Warriors that would have paired LeBron with Curry.
Both teams were struggling for a play-in spot at the time, leading to speculation that the Warriors were exploring the idea of adding LeBron to reinvigorate their roster.
However, these discussions never gained much traction, largely due to opposition from LeBron’s agent, Rich Paul. According to Marc Stein’s report, Paul was adamantly against the idea of LeBron switching teams for a fourth time, fearing potential backlash. Despite some brief owner-to-owner talks between Joe Lacob and Lakers governor Jeanie Buss, the deal never advanced.
While the pairing of LeBron and Curry at the Paris Olympics sparked fan interest, both players remain committed to their current teams. LeBron is settled in Los Angeles, where he signed an extension, and Curry has made it clear he intends to finish his career in Golden State.
