Things aren’t looking so good for the Golden State Warriors thus far this season. After getting off to a hot start to the year, they have fallen back to Earth, with injuries and inconsistent play being the root cause.
They are currently under .500 one quarter of the way through the season, raising alarm bells about their playoff chances. That increases the need for them to make a massive trade to try and salvage their season, and fortunately for them, they just received huge trade news.
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo recently asked for a trade, and the Warriors could be well positioned to acquire him. The only problem is that it would cost them either Jimmy Butler or Draymond Green, with trading either bringing a host of potential issues.
Butler is the team’s second-best player and someone they should want to keep around to pair with Giannis. Meanwhile, Green is an institution with the Warriors, having played 14 seasons and counting with Golden State and having won four championships.
Trading him in season would be the definition of heartless. Be that as it may, if they could get arguably the second or third best player in the NBA for Green, it would almost be malpractice for them not to do so.
The Warriors must move heaven and earth to land Giannis
The framework of a potential Giannis trade to the Warriors would likely see them move Green, Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield, and four first-round picks. That would be a massive offer for one of the best players in the NBA, but it could be well worth it if it means Golden State emerges as a true contender.
Steph Curry is still playing at a star level, while Butler still has more than enough left in the tank to help carry games. Putting Giannis next to those two players could unlock Golden State’s roster and put them back in the thick of things in the West playoff race.
After all, Giannis is one of the most unstoppable players in the NBA and commands significant defensive attention. Imagine having to stop Giannis from getting to the basket and also having to keep Curry from getting open for three.
Then there’s Butler, who is a notorious big shot maker and can help swing games, especially in the playoffs, single-handedly.
The Warriors must choose between winning now and the future
Golden State would also still have young contributors such as Will Riley, Pat Spencer, and Brandin Podziemski– though Podz is often feast or famine as a player.
Even so, this deal could cost them four first-round picks, as well as Green, who likely wouldn’t take to being traded too kindly. He could quickly find his way to a third team who could use his championship experience, passing, and defense, but for Warriors fans, moving on from him would be the hardest part of the trade.
That would definitely be a major concern, but the positives far outweigh the risks. And if Giannis wants to come to Golden State, then the Warriors must move heaven and earth to land him.
