Warriors Secure Star For Curry!
The Golden State Warriors have navigated a turbulent offseason, with Jonathan Kuminga’s free agency saga creating a ripple effect that delayed their roster-building plans. Now, with their desired lineup secured, the Warriors are shifting gears toward a blockbuster trade that could redefine their future and reignite their dynasty. The target? None other than Milwaukee Bucks superstar and two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
A Bold Move to Maximize Curry’s Window
At 37, Stephen Curry remains the heartbeat of the Warriors, a generational talent whose championship pedigree demands that the franchise swings big for a fifth ring. With Jimmy Butler (36) and Draymond Green (35) also on the roster, Golden State’s championship window is narrowing. According to Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report, “The Golden State Warriors should be thinking big if they want to give Stephen Curry a chance at a fifth ring, especially as he gets ready to turn 38 next season.”
Antetokounmpo, a dominant force with his two-way play and versatility, represents the perfect addition to elevate the Warriors back to contender status in the ultra-competitive Western Conference. With Kuminga now under contract at an annual average salary exceeding $20 million, alongside a stockpile of draft assets, the Warriors are uniquely positioned to make a compelling offer.
The Trade Package: Kuminga and Draft Picks Galore
Golden State’s trade arsenal is formidable. Per ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Warriors can offer up to four first-round picks and multiple pick swaps over the next seven NBA drafts. However, landing a player of Antetokounmpo’s caliber—carrying a $58.5 million salary in 2025-26—would likely require a hefty package. Jonathan Kuminga, a young star with upside as an on-ball creator, would almost certainly headline the deal. His $22.5 million salary this season, combined with his potential, makes him an attractive centerpiece.
To match Antetokounmpo’s salary, the Warriors would need to include additional players. Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, and Brandin Podziemski, with a combined salary of $24 million, could be part of the equation, but even that leaves Golden State roughly $12 million short. Including Draymond Green’s $25.9 million salary for 2025-26 could bridge the gap, though it would be a painful sacrifice given Green’s defensive prowess and leadership. Alternatively, a third team could be brought in to absorb Green or other contracts, facilitating a complex but feasible multi-team trade.
Why Milwaukee Might Listen
The Bucks face a ticking clock with Antetokounmpo, who is entering the penultimate year of his $175 million contract. If Giannis signals he won’t re-sign, his trade value could plummet by next offseason as he leverages his impending free agency to control his destination. Trading him before the February trade deadline could maximize Milwaukee’s return, especially if the Warriors offer their full draft arsenal. Given the age of Golden State’s core—Curry, Butler, and Green—the Bucks would be acquiring picks likely to land in the lottery in the coming years, a valuable asset for a franchise looking to retool.
Navigating the Salary Cap Maze
The Warriors’ salary cap situation complicates matters. Curry, Butler, and Green account for over 75% of the team’s cap, leaving limited flexibility. New NBA rules regarding the first and second apron further restrict what Golden State can do in trades. As Marks noted, “The Warriors’ three next highest-paid players—Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, and Brandin Podziemski—have a total salary equal to $24 million,” far short of what’s needed to match Antetokounmpo’s salary.
Creative solutions, such as involving a third team or leveraging Green’s contract, will be critical. If the Warriors can pull it off, pairing Antetokounmpo with Curry could create a devastating combination—a sharpshooting maestro alongside a relentless force in the paint.
A Dynasty Reborn?
The Warriors’ dynasty, built on Curry’s brilliance, Green’s tenacity, and a culture of unselfish play, has already defied expectations. Adding Antetokounmpo could be the spark to reignite that magic, blending Golden State’s motion offense with Giannis’s ability to attack the rim and anchor the defense. With Butler’s toughness and playoff experience, this revamped roster could challenge the West’s heavyweights like Denver, Oklahoma City, and Dallas.
The road to a trade is fraught with challenges—salary cap gymnastics, Milwaukee’s willingness to deal, and the emotional weight of potentially parting with Green. But if the Warriors can execute this blockbuster, the NBA landscape could shift dramatically. Stephen Curry, no longer carrying the load alone, could lead a reborn Golden State dynasty to new heights, with Antetokounmpo as the cornerstone of a championship push.