The Golden State Warriors have been widely regarded as the frontrunners to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo before the deadline. Ever since Jimmy Butler III tore his right ACL, the Warriors have been trying to figure out how to salvage the remainder of the regular season.
And what better way to save their season than to acquire the Greek Freak? While it would be an ideal situation for Golden State, an NBA analyst broke down what the Warriors would have to risk and give up to trade for Antetokounmpo.
NBA Analyst Believes Warriors Would Need To Give Up Jimmy Butler III for Giannis Antetokounmpo
We are only a few days away from the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline. This means that the clock is ticking for the Warriors to strike a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks for Antetokounmpo.
Despite Milwaukee initially declaring it has no intention of trading its star player this season, other rumors have surfaced saying that the front office is now listening to offers.
One of the top suitors in a potential Giannis trade is the Warriors. Initially, many speculated that Golden State would trade Butler for Antetokounmpo. However, the team promised the injured guard they’d stick by his side while he undergoes recovery.
With that in mind, the spotlight has now been put on Draymond Green as a likely trade piece for Giannis. While the salaries do make sense, NBA analyst Bobby Marks thinks that the Bucks won’t agree to that deal.
In a recent broadcast of ‘NBA on ESPN’, Marks shared his thoughts on how the Warriors could get the Bucks to agree on a Giannis trade. The analyst believes that letting go of Butler would be the ideal way to convince Milwaukee.
“I know Mike Dunleavy Jr. has said no Jimmy Butler,” Marks pointed out. “If you’re going to do the math, it’s either Butler or Draymond Green. In this situation, we’re going to put Jimmy Butler in there. … It sounds great for Giannis and Golden State. It is certainly a significant risk going there, and if you’re Giannis, you’re saying ‘Who else am I playing with besides Steph Curry?'”
Is Giannis to the Warriors a real possibility? @BobbyMarks42 breaks down how Golden State can seal the deal ✍️ pic.twitter.com/Pb4aO1vQhU
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 2, 2026
Marks then threw in Jonathan Kuminga in the trade scenario, alongside several first-round unprotected draft picks. This would get the Warriors veteran forward Kyle Kuzma in exchange.
While a trade is possible between the Bucks and Warriors, it’ll come down to Milwaukee’s willingness to let go of the Greek superstar. If Giannis ultimately gets traded before the deadline, we might see a second-half resurgence from the Warriors after the All-Star break.
