With Butler Sidelined, Bucks Push Draymond-for-Giannis Mega Trade. Will Warriors Cave?
With the NBA trade deadline just days away (February 5), the stakes have never been higher for teams looking to make a run at this year’s NBA Championship title, but needing to make some tweaks in order for that to happen. Two such teams that find themselves “scrambling” to make some adjustments are the Golden State Warriors and the Milwaukee Buck. Ironically, those in the front office of both squads believe the other one has the right pieces to make their franchise a championship contender. Per a recent ESPN story, it looks like a Warriors-Bucks trade boils down to three names: Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Problems with the Bucks and Warriors Rosters
It’s no secret to NBA analysts and fans that the situation for Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee has pretty much run its course. While it may actually benefit the Bucks to try and make things work with the two-time MVP at least until the offseason, trade talks continue to heat up, with mentions of the possibilities that he could land with the Chicago Bulls, the New York Knicks, the Miami Heat, and, of course, the Warriors.
Golden State’s problem with its current roster largely lies with the fact that Butler is likely out for the rest of the season, and Jonathan Kuminga has been very vocal about wanting to leave. Additionally, news has circulated in the early part of this year that with LeBron James up for free agency at the end of this season, the Warriors would love to pair him with Curry.
Furthermore, the team has had its eyes on acquiring Antetokounmpo, with him looking unhappy with the Bucks. While the powers that be with the Warriors envisioned a scenario in which Butler, Kuminga, and maybe some draft picks would have to be on the table to acquire Antetokounmpo, it’s doubtful they wanted to include a franchise player of fourteen years in the mix.
Would the Warriors Really Let Go of Draymond Green?
Referring back to the ESPN story, it appears the Bucks have upped the ante on what they want from the Warriors. Again, wth Butler out for the season, Bucks General Manager Mike Dunleavy and controlling owner Joe Lacob are motivated to get a deal done for Antetokounmpo, provided a healthy Green is in the mix. Green can help contribute to the Bucks’ playoff run this season.
On January 30, when Green was asked his thoughts on the possibility of being traded, he replied to ESPN, saying:
“I've been here for 14 years. I have no reason to sit and worry about leaving. But if I'm traded, that's part of the business. I ain't losing no sleep, though. I slept great last night."
As someone who has admired the Warrior franchise for years, I admittedly would be sad to see Green leave Golden State. It was tough enough watching Klay Thompson leave the Warriors trio in 2024, going to the Dallas Mavericks. However, if Thompson can leave, I suppose Green can as well. Let’s just hope there’s a scenario in which Thompson and Green wind up retiring with the Warriors.