As the NBA trade deadline draws near, the Golden State Warriors’ hopes of landing Giannis Antetokounmpo have encountered a significant setback. The Warriors were unable to advance a proposed swap with the Milwaukee Bucks because Milwaukee was unwilling to take on the contract of veteran forward Draymond Green, who was included in Golden State’s pitch as a key salary-matching piece.
Giannis, the two-time regular-season MVP and perennial All-Star, has been at the center of swirling trade speculation for much of the season. According to The SportsRush, rumors intensified in recent weeks with several contending teams reportedly entering the discussion as potential destinations. Among them, the Warriors were considered one of the most serious suitors. However, the talks with Milwaukee have stalled amid resistance to absorbing Green’s contract, sources say.
Golden State’s pursuit of Antetokounmpo, who recently broke his silence, was driven by a desire to add another generational talent alongside Stephen Curry as the franchise seeks another championship run. But matching Milwaukee’s trade demands proved difficult. The Bucks reportedly expressed reluctance to take Green’s salary directly and suggested that his contract might need to be diverted through a third team if any deal were to move forward.
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The Warriors Might Not Be Trading For Giannis
In recent days, the Warriors have also reshaped their roster through separate transactions, indicating a shift in focus. Golden State completed a trade, sending Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis, a former All-Star big man. That move appears to signal a pivot away from the league’s biggest prize in Antetokounmpo, and toward bolstering the current roster with different pieces.
Green’s role in the situation has drawn particular attention. For much of his career in Golden State, he has been viewed as an untouchable part of the franchise’s core, earning praise for his defensive versatility and leadership during multiple championship seasons.
During a recent loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, Green was asked about trade talk and acknowledged he had heard the speculation, but made it clear he was focused on basketball and not privy to any inside information. Many analysts see his remarks as indicative of the broader uncertainty surrounding his future and the franchise’s direction.
Meanwhile, other teams remain in the mix for Antetokounmpo as the deadline approaches, and fans believe negotiations could continue in some form later in the offseason if a mid-season deal doesn’t materialize. The Bucks’ stance suggests they may be holding out for richer offers or waiting for a clearer indication of Giannis’s intentions, including whether he would sign an extension with a new team if traded.
The Warriors had apparently been willing to part with a significant package of picks and players, and had even positioned Curry as the only untouchable asset. But the roadblock presented by Green’s contract has disrupted those plans.
As of now, Giannis remains under contract with the Bucks, and the Warriors are continuing to adjust their strategy. Whether there is a last-minute breakthrough remains to be seen, but for the moment, the pursuit of Antetokounmpo by Golden State has hit a major obstacle that could reshape the team’s short- and long-term roster plans.
Published: Feb 5, 2026 01:00 pm