ESPN’s Brian Windhorst: Golden State Warriors Have the Assets to Land Giannis Antetokounmpo if Conditions Align

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Date: May 27, 2025

In a take that sent shockwaves rippling through the NBA media world, longtime ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst declared that the Golden State Warriors could make a legitimate run at two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo—if the right conditions align.

The assertion, made during a segment on NBA Today, isn’t the typical clickbait speculation or fantasy-trade fodder. It comes from a plugged-in veteran reporter who accurately predicted LeBron James’ return to Cleveland, Kevin Durant’s move to the Nets, and the Miami Heat’s rise to relevance. And now, Windhorst is eyeing the Warriors as a stealth contender for perhaps the most physically dominant player in the modern NBA.

“If Giannis ever becomes available—if he ever gives the green light—Golden State has the combination of young talent, expiring contracts, and draft capital to get to the front of the line,” Windhorst said. “They could absolutely build an offer Milwaukee would have to think very hard about.”

The NBA, always a league of long-term vision and chessboard maneuvering, now has its eyes fixed on the Bay Area. Could the Warriors, a franchise once built on unselfish passing and perimeter magic, be gearing up for another era of dominance—this time with Giannis Antetokounmpo in blue and gold?

Reading the Tea Leaves: Why Windhorst’s Comment Matters

Windhorst’s reputation as a calculated and well-sourced journalist gives this story credibility. He’s not known for reckless speculation. When he talks, especially on topics like this, the league listens.

“I’m not saying it’s imminent,” Windhorst clarified. “But if the Bucks stumble, if Giannis starts looking around, the Warriors can make the call and actually stay on the phone. That’s not true for most teams.”

And while Windhorst stopped short of saying talks have taken place, his comments open up a broader dialogue about the future of both franchises.

Why Would Giannis Leave Milwaukee?

Giannis Antetokounmpo has repeatedly expressed loyalty to the Milwaukee Bucks, the franchise that drafted him in 2013 and helped develop him into a global superstar. But he’s also been candid in recent years about his desire to keep winning.

“I’m not interested in being part of a rebuilding team,” Giannis told The New York Times in 2023. “I want to be somewhere that gives me the best chance to win another championship.”

Despite winning a title in 2021 and remaining a perennial contender, the Bucks have struggled to retool effectively. After falling short in the 2024 and 2025 postseasons, some NBA insiders believe Giannis could begin to evaluate his long-term prospects, especially as he approaches his 30th birthday.

The key question: if he did decide to move on, what kind of destination would appeal to him?

• Championship pedigree?
• Strong culture and player development?
• Marketable location with global reach?
• Star teammates?

The Golden State Warriors check all of those boxes.

What Makes Golden State a Legitimate Trade Suitor?

Golden State’s current core features a fascinating mix of aging Hall of Famers, young rising talent, and flexible contract pieces—a combination few other teams can match.

1. Young Talent

• Jonathan Kuminga (22): Athletic, versatile, and developing quickly as a two-way forward.
• Moses Moody (22): Defensive-minded wing who’s shown flashes of scoring upside.
• Brandin Podziemski (21): High-IQ guard with rebounding and playmaking skill.
• Trayce Jackson-Davis (24): Emerging interior presence.

These players are not only young—they’re all on team-friendly rookie contracts and have playoff experience.

2. Future Draft Picks

Golden State owes minimal draft capital going forward, giving them flexibility to package multiple unprotected first-round picks or swaps in a deal.

3. Contract Tools

The Warriors can use the expiring or movable deals of Andrew Wiggins and Kevon Looney, or even construct sign-and-trade possibilities involving Klay Thompson or Chris Paul’s non-guaranteed salary.

Put it all together and you have a ready-made trade package: young players, expiring contracts, and multiple first-round picks.

What Would a Trade Look Like?

Assuming Giannis were to request a trade—and assuming Milwaukee prioritized both a win-now and future-focused return—a hypothetical trade could look like this:

Warriors Receive:

• Giannis Antetokounmpo

Bucks Receive:

• Jonathan Kuminga
• Moses Moody
• Andrew Wiggins (expiring contract)
• 2026 First-Round Pick (Unprotected)
• 2028 First-Round Pick (Top-5 Protected)
• 2030 Pick Swap Option

While fans may balk at trading away Kuminga or multiple picks, Giannis is a generational superstar in his prime. Players like him become available once a decade, if that.

This package gives Milwaukee a bridge between eras and salary relief, while Golden State enters a new championship window.

Could Giannis and Steph Work Together?

The idea of Stephen Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo playing on the same team sounds like something out of a video game.

Their skill sets, while vastly different, are perfectly complementary:

• Curry stretches the floor to the logo and manipulates defenders with gravity.
• Giannis punishes smaller defenders in the paint and attacks downhill like a freight train.
• Both play unselfishly and thrive in high-IQ systems.

Under Steve Kerr, who guided the 2016–2019 Warriors dynasty and coached Team USA, a Curry-Giannis pick-and-roll could become un-guardable.

“You’re talking about one of the greatest shooters ever pairing with one of the most dominant physical forces ever,” said Kendrick Perkins. “That ain’t fair.”

Defensively, Giannis would solve many of Golden State’s rim protection and switchability issues, allowing them to modernize their approach without losing their identity.

The Big Picture: Why the Warriors Might Go All-In

For all their success, the Warriors are at a crossroads. The core of Curry, Thompson, and Green is aging. Owner Joe Lacob has made it clear he doesn’t want to languish in mediocrity.

They tried building a “two-timeline” model, integrating youth while chasing titles. It didn’t work—at least not to the degree needed to contend with teams like Denver, Boston, or Oklahoma City.

Landing Giannis resets that equation.

“It’s about legacy now,” said Stephen A. Smith. “If the Warriors have a chance to pair Steph with Giannis—even if it costs them young pieces—you do it. No hesitation.”

Where Does Giannis Stand Now?

As of May 2025, Giannis remains under contract with the Bucks through 2027 (with a player option in 2026). There’s no public trade request. No rift with management. But if Milwaukee doesn’t advance past the second round again in 2026, pressure will mount.

Notably, Giannis recently purchased a home in the Bay Area, which he dismissed as “just a smart investment.” Still, fans have long memories—and so does the league.

His recent comments during All-Star weekend didn’t exactly quiet the rumor mill:

“I’ve always admired Steph,” Giannis said. “What he’s done—how he plays—it’s beautiful basketball.”

That admiration could eventually grow into something more.

How Would the League React?

If Golden State were to land Giannis, it would alter the power structure of the entire NBA. A healthy trio of Curry, Giannis, and Draymond Green (plus role players like Gary Payton II and Trayce Jackson-Davis) would instantly become favorites to win the West.

• Denver would face a matchup nightmare.
• Phoenix, Minnesota, and OKC would need to retool.
• The Lakers might panic into moves.
• Boston, currently seen as the most balanced team in the league, would finally meet a true superteam.

The league has been trending toward parity. A Giannis-to-Warriors trade could bring back the “villain” dynasty days of Kevin Durant’s tenure in the Bay.

What Would It Mean for Curry’s Legacy?

Stephen Curry is already a four-time champion, two-time MVP, and the NBA’s all-time three-point king. Adding Giannis would give him one final push for a fifth ring—or more.

In the twilight of his career, Curry could shift into a more off-ball-heavy role, extending his prime and spacing the floor for Giannis to dominate.

If they win again?

• Curry joins Magic and Kobe with five titles.
• Giannis would quiet doubters who question his ability to win outside Milwaukee.
• Kerr could solidify himself as one of the top coaches of all time.
• The Warriors’ dynasty enters Phase 3.0—with no end in sight.

Windhorst Lit the Spark—Now the NBA Watches Closely

Brian Windhorst didn’t break news. He didn’t guarantee a trade. But what he did do was open a door—and the NBA world is now staring through it with curiosity, hope, or dread, depending on your rooting interest.

If Giannis ever decides it’s time to move on, and if the Bucks begin to slip, don’t be surprised if Golden State emerges as the most powerful suitor in the room.

Because with assets, ambition, and a championship pedigree, the Warriors are not done dreaming big.

And Giannis might be the dream they turn into reality.