ESPN’s Brian Windhorst: Golden State Warriors Have the Assets to Land Giannis Antetokounmpo – But There’s a Catch
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Date: May 22, 2025
In a statement that has sent shockwaves through NBA circles, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst revealed this week that the Golden State Warriors “have the assets to land Giannis Antetokounmpo.” That alone would be enough to light up social media timelines and sports talk shows from coast to coast. But as Windhorst was quick to note, “there’s a catch”—a big one.
With the NBA offseason looming and rumors swirling about potential superteam formations, Windhorst’s comments struck a chord not just for their content, but for the underlying implications about the future of both the Milwaukee Bucks and the Golden State Warriors.
Could the two-time MVP and 2021 NBA champion actually become a Warrior? Could the Bay Area become the next destination for a generational talent once again?
The Statement That Sparked It All
Brian Windhorst, long known for his deep connections and measured takes, made the comments during an appearance on ESPN’s NBA Today. When asked about potential offseason fireworks and whether any superstars could realistically be on the move, Windhorst didn’t hesitate.
“Look, I’m not saying it’s going to happen. But if there’s one team that has the pieces to go after Giannis Antetokounmpo if—and that’s a big if—Milwaukee decides to listen, it’s the Golden State Warriors. They have young talent, valuable contracts, and they’re hungry to retool around Stephen Curry before the window closes.”
But he didn’t stop there.
“They can build a package. But there’s a catch. Giannis isn’t just another superstar. He’s one of the most loyal and calculated players in the league. He doesn’t chase markets—he builds legacies. So even if Golden State calls, Milwaukee might never pick up.”
The statement came just days after Milwaukee’s disappointing first-round exit from the 2025 NBA Playoffs at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers—a series that saw Antetokounmpo sidelined with yet another lingering injury.
Warriors in Transition Mode
Golden State finds itself in a fascinating and uncertain position. With Stephen Curry still playing elite basketball but now 37 years old, the Warriors face a narrowing championship window. Klay Thompson’s contract is expiring, Draymond Green’s offensive liabilities are increasingly glaring, and the young core—featuring Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and Brandin Podziemski—has yet to fully break out.
Then there’s Andrew Wiggins, whose value has fluctuated wildly over the past two seasons, and Chris Paul, whose massive contract was only partially guaranteed for 2025–26 and likely headed off the books. Kevon Looney, a fan favorite, remains a reliable piece but would likely be a throw-in for salary-matching purposes.
This all means one thing: Golden State has the means to make a blockbuster deal.
According to league sources, the Warriors could offer a combination of:
- Jonathan Kuminga (22 years old, coming off a breakout year)
- Moses Moody (still just 22, elite defender, solid 3-point shooter)
- Andrew Wiggins (contract ballast with All-Star upside when engaged)
- Multiple first-round picks, including unprotected selections in 2027 and 2029
- Swap rights or pick protection maneuvers
It wouldn’t be a cheap price. But for a player of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s caliber? It might not even be enough.
The Catch: Giannis’s Loyalty and Vision
Antetokounmpo has always been an outlier in superstar behavior. In an era where stars increasingly move teams for better opportunities, Giannis has remained loyal to the franchise that drafted him, worked to build a contender, and delivered him a championship in 2021.
He signed an extension with the Bucks in 2023 despite whispers that he could bolt for a larger market. He’s spoken often about his deep ties to Milwaukee, its people, and what it means to “earn it the hard way.”
That doesn’t mean he’s unmovable. But it does mean that if he were to ever request a trade, it would have to be for a team that checks every box.
Golden State is one of the few franchises that might.
“They have the rings. They have the culture. They have a once-in-a-lifetime teammate in Steph Curry,” said Windhorst. “If Giannis were to ever say, ‘Okay, I’m ready for a new chapter,’ Golden State is on the shortlist—maybe the very top of it.”
What Would a Warriors-Giannis Era Look Like?
Imagine Giannis flanked by Stephen Curry’s gravity and spacing. Draymond Green, long a vocal rival, becomes a defensive partner. Kuminga and Moody? Gone in the trade. Klay Thompson? Perhaps re-signed at a team-friendly rate to chase another ring. The result would be a team built for both offense and defense at a terrifyingly elite level.
A potential lineup:
- PG: Stephen Curry
- SG: Klay Thompson / Brandin Podziemski
- SF: Andrew Wiggins (if not included)
- PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo
- C: Draymond Green
Or, alternatively, a faster, younger lineup could emerge with strategic veteran minimum signings and smart drafting.
“Giannis and Steph would be the best two-man game we’ve seen since Kobe and Shaq,” said one anonymous Western Conference scout. “It’d be damn near unstoppable.”
Milwaukee’s Dilemma
From Milwaukee’s perspective, the idea of trading Giannis remains unthinkable—at least publicly. But the franchise now faces mounting pressure. Back-to-back early playoff exits, roster aging, and the potential departure of key players (including Brook Lopez and Khris Middleton in coming years) could create a tipping point.
If Antetokounmpo gives the front office a “one-year” ultimatum this summer, they’ll have two choices:
- Go all-in on a desperate win-now move (which they tried with the Damian Lillard trade, with mixed results),
- Or consider a rebuild and maximize return while Giannis still has elite value.
Golden State, in that light, becomes the most appealing option: a team that can offer talent, picks, and a clean path to the future.
The Precedent: When Stars Move
We’ve seen this before. Kevin Durant left the Thunder. Anthony Davis left the Pelicans. LeBron James left Cleveland—twice. Superstars don’t stay forever unless you give them reasons to.
Giannis has given Milwaukee everything. But NBA history suggests that loyalty has its limits—especially if a franchise can’t reciprocate with competitive rosters.
“If the Bucks don’t make a deep run next year, it’s not unthinkable that Giannis finally starts looking around,” said Zach Lowe of ESPN. “And the Warriors would be first in line.”
Risk vs. Reward for Golden State
Any deal for Giannis would gut the Warriors’ youth movement. Kuminga, Moody, and multiple picks would be gone. It’s a gamble—mortgaging the future for a short window.
But that gamble paid off once before, when they brought in Kevin Durant and won two straight titles in dominant fashion.
They know how to integrate a superstar without ego. They know how to build around Curry’s unique talents. And they know the clock is ticking.
“The only way to extend the dynasty is to go big. Really big,” one Warriors executive reportedly said off-record. “And there’s no one bigger than Giannis.”
What’s Next?
This offseason will be critical. Milwaukee must make moves to reassure Giannis of their competitiveness. Golden State, meanwhile, has to decide whether it’s content to run things back with Curry, Green, and perhaps Thompson—or if it’s time to take a swing.
The Bucks have the leverage now. Giannis hasn’t requested a trade. He’s under contract. But everyone in the league is watching—especially in the Bay.
As Windhorst concluded:
“The Warriors are waiting. Whether Giannis answers that call—that’s up to him.”
If the Golden State Warriors were to somehow land Giannis Antetokounmpo, it would alter the balance of power in the NBA for the next half-decade. It would be the splashiest move since Kevin Durant in 2016—and perhaps even more consequential given the ages of Curry and Giannis.
The Warriors have the assets. The vision. The precedent.
But they don’t yet have the green light.
For now, all they—and the rest of the league—can do is wait.
