If Giannis Antetokounmpo is traded before the Feb. 5 trade deadline, one team appears most likely to pull the deal off.
In an appearance on ESPN Friday, Brian Windhorst said the Golden State Warriors are the most likely team to pull off an Antetokounmpo trade now. Others, he said, would likely have to wait until the offseason due to how complicated it would be to set up a trade now.
“If there’s a deal that’s going to be made before the deadline, in my belief, Golden State is the team to make that deal, because the other teams have to get third and fourth teams involved,” Windhorst said. “That’s why Golden State is going to be probably the most aggressive between now and Thursday. Their best position is doing a deal before next Thursday.”
Brian Windhorst on Giannis to Warriors:
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) January 30, 2026
"If there is a deal thats going to be done before the dealine, in my belief, Golden State is the team to make that deal" pic.twitter.com/84tTYL3fsm
The Warriors are unique in that they have a lot of future draft capital to offer, which will appeal to Milwaukee. Jonathan Kuminga would also likely be part of the package, and the Warriors could include Jimmy Butler’s salary to even things out.
Due to the Bucks’ demands and salary cap realities, other interested teams would likely have to bring in extra teams to meet the asking price for Antetokounmpo. The more complicated a trade is and the more moving parts it has, the more difficult it will be to get done within the next week.
The Warriors have long been interested in Antetokounmpo, though there are other teams popping up now that a trade seems to be a real possibility. Golden State is desperate for one last run at a title with Steph Curry in the fold, and this is probably their best shot at making that happen.
