NBA trade rumors: Steve Kerr’s next roster move could involve Bucks star nearing $275 million payday to pair with Stephen Curry | NBA News
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks is suddenly looking far less certain, and across the league, front offices are already preparing for one of the most important trade races in years. Milwaukee has quietly opened the door to trade discussions involving the two-time MVP ahead of the NBA Draft, placing several contenders on alert, including the Golden State Warriors.Steve Kerr has recently signed a 2-year deal with the Golden State. The Warriors are already in offseason mode after an early playoff exit, while several other Giannis-linked teams are still alive in the postseason. That gives Golden State a rare advantage. They can fully focus on roster construction while the rest of the market remains distracted by playoff basketball.
Milwaukee Bucks are open for Giannis Antetokounmpo trade
The Bucks are no longer hiding from the reality surrounding their franchise star. Team officials have reportedly begun entertaining trade conversations as pressure builds ahead of June’s draft. Co-owner Jimmy Haslam made the situation even clearer when he admitted a major decision is coming soon.“Sometime over the next six or seven weeks we’ll decide whether Giannis is going to sign a max contract and stay with us or he’s going to play somewhere else.” Shams Charania has confirmed that the Bucks are now open for the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade.Milwaukee’s disappointing 32-50 season forced the organization into a difficult position. Injuries, internal frustration, and another early collapse shifted the tone around the franchise. Antetokounmpo, who led the Bucks to the 2021 championship, is now eligible for a four-year, $275 million extension later this year. But league insiders believe both sides are seriously evaluating whether it is finally time to move on.The Bucks still value him at the highest level possible. Rival teams expect Milwaukee to demand elite young talent, multiple draft picks, or both in any potential deal.
Will Steve Kerr’s Warriors chase Giannis Antetokounmpo to pair with Stephen Curry ?
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Stephen Curry. Image via: Getty Images
Golden State has already been linked to Antetokounmpo since the trade deadline, and the fit remains obvious. Pairing Giannis with Stephen Curry would instantly create one of the NBA’s most dangerous duos.The challenge is convincing Milwaukee that the Warriors can offer enough.Unlike teams such as the New York Knicks or Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State does not have a blue-chip young superstar ready to headline negotiations. Still, executives around the league believe the Warriors remain firmly in the conversation because of Curry’s presence, Kerr’s system, and Antetokounmpo’s potential interest in competing for another championship in the Bay Area.
What would the Warriors’ package look like?
Jimmy Butler. Image via: Nathaniel S. Butler/ NBAE via Getty Images
Any realistic Warriors offer would almost certainly begin with Jimmy Butler for salary purposes. From there, Golden State could add young pieces like Brandin Podziemski, Gui Santos, the No. 11 draft pick, and future first-round selections.Whether that package beats rival offers remains uncertain. But the Warriors know exactly where they stand entering the offseason, and that clarity could help them move aggressively if Milwaukee fully commits to trade talks.Meanwhile, the Bucks continue balancing two paths at once. They are exploring blockbuster scenarios while still leaving room for one final attempt to convince Giannis to stay.
