The Golden State Warriors are in great shape heading into their Game 5 contest against the Houston Rockets.
Even if the Dubs, who possess a 3-1 lead over the Ime-Udoka-led squad, don’t prevail on Thursday, they’ll have two more opportunities to finish the job.
However, a playoff run without an NBA title could cause significant changes in free agency.
A recent trade proposal crafted by Blue Man Hoop’s Tyler Watts lands the Warriors a 6-foot-11 Milwaukee Bucks superstar this summer.
"The Warriors will try to flip Jimmy Butler into Giannis (Antetokounmpo),” Blue Man Hoops’ Tyler Watts wrote Tuesday. “Their salaries for the 2025-26 season are identical.”
"Golden State will not want to take back more money than they send out in this trade because it would hard-cap them at the first apron. It may mean getting more teams involved, but here is the best the Dubs can offer.”
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"This is a monster package for the Greek Freak. Golden State is giving up a star, two talented role players, three first-round draft picks unprotected, and the rights to swap in four years.”
"To get the fourth swap, the Bucks would have to wait until after the 2025 draft to make this trade. The Bucks also get off Pat Connaughton's undesirable contract in this trade.”
For clarity, Watts’ trade proposal sends Butler, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, three first-round draft picks, and four first-round swaps to the Bucks for Antetokounmpo and Connaughton.
Unfortunately, Antetokounmpo’s 2024-25 season ended on Tuesday.
Despite extending their lead to six in overtime against the Bucks thanks to a timely Antetokounmpo layup, Milwaukee made one too many mistakes in crunch time, resulting in a crushing 119-118 loss and early playoff exit.
The Bucks have failed to build on their championship-winning 2020-21 campaign, which could cause Antetokounmpo and Milwaukee to part ways this upcoming summer.
Antetokounmpo averaged 33.8 points, 14.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per contest in five playoff contests, shooting 62.2% from the field.
The Warriors are doing well with Butler, but trading him to the Bucks for Antetokounmpo would give the organization a game-changing downhill scoring machine, an underrated rim protector, and an NBA champion still in his prime.
Although a Stephen Curry and Antetokounmpo duo may not succeed instantly, it likely wouldn’t take too long for the future Hall of Famers to click on the hardwood and wreak havoc in the Western Conference.
It’s reasonable to assume Golden State will target the 2021 NBA Finals MVP this summer.
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