NBA Rumors: Giannis Antetokounmpo Linked with Golden State Warriors Again

The Golden State Warriors are preparing for a busy summer market after attempting significant moves during the last February trade deadline, exploring the additions of Kawhi Leonard and Giannis Antetokounmpo. As reported by Anthony Slater of ESPN, both the general manager, Mike Dunleavy Jr., and the owner, Joe Lacob, plan to revisit major operations this summer. The intention is clear: nearly no asset is considered untouchable.

Among the decisions that could be considered is the potential departure of Draymond Green. During the trade deadline, when his name surfaced in discussions related to a hypothetical trade for Antetokounmpo, the player himself considered a possible destination with the Los Angeles teams. However, both team and league sources suggest that Green could exercise his player option for the 2026-27 season or negotiate an extension to remain with the franchise for at least one more year.

The Warriors previously made a significant push for Leonard, currently under contract with Los Angeles Clippers in his final contractual year. Additionally, they were also linked to Antetokounmpo, for whom they offered four unprotected first-round picks to the Milwaukee Bucks. Ultimately, the Greek player remained in Milwaukee, where he still has a guaranteed year left on his contract, although his future remains uncertain heading into next summer.

The LeBron Option

Another name on the horizon is LeBron James. According to various reports, Golden State is considered by other franchises as one of the more credible destinations if the player decides to leave the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency. It wouldn't be the first time the Warriors attempt his signing, as they previously made an unsuccessful attempt before the 2024 trade deadline. Also, there seems to be mutual interest between the two parties.

The team's contractual situation also influences the strategy. Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, the latter after a serious knee injury in January, have a contract for one more season before becoming unrestricted free agents at ages 39 and 38, respectively.

Golden State has a significant arsenal of first-round picks: they hold six of their own unprotected selections in the next seven drafts, except for 2030, which is top-20 protected. This leeway would enable them to propose ambitious offers again, either for Antetokounmpo, through a sign-and-trade for James, or in any other major deal.

After a season marked by injuries to Curry and Butler, who missed a large part of the 2025-26 season, the franchise could opt to aggressively strengthen. The goal would be to make one final competitive push with the current core before this chapter definitively closes.