The Golden State Warriors have faced setbacks in their trade attempts this summer, failing to acquire Paul George and later missing out on Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz. As a result, Stephen Curry is left with a roster that may struggle to contend for a championship. Despite Curry’s continued excellence, at 36 years old, the Warriors’ championship window is narrowing.
However, NBA champion Paul Pierce suggests that the Warriors can still revitalize their chances by pursuing a trade for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. On his show, *Ticket & The Truth,* Pierce proposed that acquiring Giannis could return Golden State to the top of the league, though he acknowledged that this is purely speculative and not based on insider knowledge.
Pierce’s idea, while bold, is rooted in the reality that the Warriors are eager to maximize what’s left of Curry’s prime. Meanwhile, the Bucks, despite being contenders, have faced early playoff exits since their 2021 championship, and their core players are aging and struggling with injuries.
If the Bucks were to face another disappointing playoff run, they might consider rebuilding by trading Antetokounmpo. In such a scenario, the Warriors could present a compelling trade package, though it would require a substantial offer. This could include young talents like Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, and Moses Moody, along with multiple future first-round picks and pick swaps. The Warriors might also need to include salaries, such as Andrew Wiggins’ contract, to make the trade financially viable.
However, a trade for Giannis is unlikely to happen this season. Antetokounmpo is still under contract with Milwaukee for several more years, and the Bucks remain strong contenders in the Eastern Conference. Unless Giannis demands a trade, the Bucks have little reason to part with him now.
Imagining Giannis on the Warriors alongside Curry is intriguing, as their combination would likely make Golden State immediate title contenders again. The pairing of Curry’s outside shooting and Giannis’s inside dominance would be a nightmare for opponents. Yet, this remains more of a dream scenario, as many factors would need to align for such a trade to occur.
