In a move that will undoubtedly send shockwaves through the entire National Basketball Association, the Golden State Warriors have officially acknowledged the completion of a multi-team trade to acquire two-time MVP and 2021 NBA champion, Giannis Antetokounmpo, from the Milwaukee Bucks. The Warriors, known for their audacious moves and relentless pursuit of championships, have now assembled a “Big Three” that immediately catapults them to overwhelming favorites for the upcoming season, pairing Antetokounmpo with perennial MVP candidate Stephen Curry and their recent blockbuster acquisition, Jimmy Butler.
While the full details of the trade are still emerging from the league office, the Warriors’ social media channels and official statements from General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Head Coach Steve Kerr have confirmed the monumental transaction. The franchise’s official press release, issued just moments ago, expressed immense excitement about welcoming Antetokounmpo to the Bay Area, emphasizing his unique blend of athleticism, skill, and championship pedigree. The carefully worded statement lauded Giannis as a “transformational talent” who aligns perfectly with the Warriors’ commitment to excellence.
This acquisition, long rumored in NBA circles, represents the culmination of an aggressive “win-now” strategy by the Warriors’ front office, determined to maximize the remaining prime years of Stephen Curry’s legendary career. After a 2024-25 season that saw them fall short of championship aspirations despite the mid-season addition of Jimmy Butler, the Warriors’ management clearly felt that another superstar was necessary to push them over the top. The pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo, arguably the most dominant two-way player in the league, became their singular focus.
The financial gymnastics required to pull off such a deal are truly astounding. Giannis Antetokounmpo is under contract for roughly $57.6 million for the 2025-26 season, and has a player option for the 2027-28 season valued at over $66 million. Stephen Curry’s contract is set to be nearly $60 million in 2025-26, and Jimmy Butler, acquired by the Warriors in February 2025, will earn approximately $54.1 million next season. Adding Antetokounmpo’s salary to this already astronomical payroll would push the Warriors far beyond the luxury tax threshold and deep into the punitive second apron, triggering severe roster-building restrictions under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
To navigate these immense financial hurdles and provide the Milwaukee Bucks with a compelling package, the trade is confirmed to be a complex four-team deal involving the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks, as widely speculated. The confirmed framework of the trade is as follows:
Golden State Warriors receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks receive: A substantial package of young talent and draft capital, designed to kickstart a new era for the franchise. This includes Austin Reaves (from the Lakers), Brandin Podziemski, Jonathan Kuminga (via a sign-and-trade, with Kuminga agreeing to a new long-term deal that allows his salary to be included for trade matching purposes), and Trayce Jackson-Davis (all from the Warriors). Additionally, the Bucks acquire a treasure trove of future draft picks, including the Warriors’ unprotected first-round picks in 2029 and 2031, along with a 2030 first-round pick swap from the Los Angeles Lakers, and potentially some second-round picks.
Los Angeles Lakers receive: Veteran leadership and defensive prowess in Draymond Green (from the Warriors) and frontcourt depth with Daniel Gafford (from the Mavericks). This move solidifies the Lakers’ defensive identity and provides LeBron James with a familiar and trusted defensive anchor.
Dallas Mavericks receive: Point guard depth in Gabe Vincent (from the Lakers) and additional draft capital, including a 2031 first-round pick (via the Lakers) and a 2025 second-round pick (via the Warriors).
The emotional impact of this trade cannot be overstated, particularly for Milwaukee. Giannis Antetokounmpo, drafted by the Bucks in 2013, delivered the franchise its first NBA championship in 50 years in 2021, cementing his place as an all-time legend in Wisconsin. His unwavering loyalty and commitment to Milwaukee had been a hallmark of his career. However, repeated playoff disappointments, including recent early exits in the 2023, 2024, and 2025 playoffs despite having a strong roster, reportedly led to growing frustrations about the team’s ability to consistently contend. While he never formally requested a trade, the opportunity to join a proven championship organization with a clear path to contention, alongside future Hall of Famers, proved too enticing to pass up. The Bucks, faced with the prospect of Giannis potentially leaving in free agency in a few years, decided to maximize their return now, embarking on a much-needed rebuild.
For the Warriors, the addition of Antetokounmpo creates an unprecedented lineup. Imagine the defensive versatility of Giannis and Butler on the perimeter and in the paint, combined with Curry’s unparalleled offensive gravity. This trio offers a nightmare for opposing defenses, with Giannis attacking the rim, Curry creating space with his shooting, and Butler providing a relentless two-way presence and clutch scoring. The Warriors will be a force in transition, and their half-court offense, with Giannis as a primary facilitator, will be incredibly difficult to contain.
The challenge for Head Coach Steve Kerr will be integrating such high-usage stars and managing minutes, but the offensive skill sets are highly complementary. Giannis’s ability to drive and create opportunities for others will open up even more space for Curry’s perimeter shooting, while Butler’s strong isolation play can be a valuable asset in late-game situations. Defensively, the Warriors will have multiple elite defenders capable of guarding multiple positions, instantly elevating their overall defensive rating.
Of course, such a monumental acquisition comes at a significant cost. The Warriors have divested themselves of a significant portion of their young talent and nearly all of their future tradable first-round picks. Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis showed immense promise in their rookie and sophomore seasons, respectively, and Jonathan Kuminga, despite some inconsistencies, possesses star potential. Their departures will undoubtedly impact the team’s depth and long-term sustainability beyond the Curry-Butler-Antetokounmpo era. The team will be heavily reliant on their superstar trio staying healthy and productive.
The trade also means the departure of Draymond Green, a four-time NBA champion and defensive lynchpin for the Warriors’ dynasty. While his relationship with the team had its ups and downs, his impact on their success is undeniable. His move to the Lakers adds a fascinating new dynamic to the Western Conference rivalry, pairing him with LeBron James, a long-time rival, in a bid for another championship.
This historic trade, officially acknowledged by the Golden State Warriors, marks a new chapter in the NBA. It represents a bold, high-stakes gamble for a franchise determined to extend its championship window. The “Splash Triplets” of Curry, Butler, and Antetokounmpo will now embark on a mission to bring more banners to the Chase Center, and the rest of the league is left to strategize on how to contend with this formidable new force. The 2025-26 NBA season promises to be one of the most anticipated in recent memory.
