The Warriors are strategically playing out trades to potentially acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to Tim Kawakami.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was left disappointed after the Milwaukee Bucks released Damian Lillard in the offseason. Antetokounmpo is chasing an NBA championship and he may possibly request for trade with an opportunity to lead a contending team.
The Warriors, though with a declining core, can emerge as a suitable candidate and the team's move in their recent transactions suggests that they are waiting to make a big move for the Greek Freak, according to NBA analyst Tim Kawakami.
“I'm saying one of the reasons they're not trading future first round picks, other than the one they traded for (Jimmy) Butler, it's like what if Giannis becomes available," Kawakami said on the latest episode of the Warriors Plus Minus Podcast.
Stashing draft capital gives principal owner Joe Lacob's flexibility to swing for a generational star should Giannis ever request a trade.
The Warriors are aware that they are living on borrowed time. With Stephen Curry (37), Draymond Green (35), and Jimmy Butler (36) constituting the core, their championship window is closing fast.
Even San Francisco Chronicle's Scott Ostler noted:
“If ever there was a time to mortgage the future for the present, that time is now… The only way the Warriors extend that Window… is by trading for Giannis.”
According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, in order for Golden State to acquire Giannis, the Warriors will need to trade a package of players like Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, and future picks.
Category: Basketball
