Giannis Antetokounmpo rumors are starting to pick up steam again.
ESPN’s Shams Charania published a report stating that the New York Knicks emerged as the only team Giannis Antetokounmpo wanted other than the Milwaukee Bucks during the offseason.
The Knicks and Bucks held trade talks for a period of time, but nothing came of it. Since this report, fans have been speculating about a possible trade for Antetokounmpo.
Stephen A. Smith even speculated that Giannis would go to the Golden State Warriors, which caused fans to panic.
Smith talked about the idea of the Warriors acquiring Giannis, saying, “You can’t let Giannis go to Golden State with Stephen Curry.” Smith argued that it would be “unfair to the basketball world” if that happened.
He also said the Warriors “will be on a roll for the (NBA) title.”
Giannis’ transfer to the Warriors drew mixed reactions from fans. Some thought it would be complete domination, while others questioned its suitability.
“Steph and Giannis’ pick-and-roll will be the most unstoppable play in the NBA. There’s only one way to guard either of these two: double outside the 3-point line for Steph or build a wall for Giannis. Teams will have to pick one to double and the other will score 40+ points,” one fan wrote.
However, another fan was skeptical about Giannis leaving for Golden State, pinpointing the example of the Brooklyn Nets’ big three collapsing a few years ago. “What people were saying when Harden Kyrie and Durant were on the same team. Same thing with the big three who are unstoppable on paper. Just because it looks good on paper doesn’t mean the ball will drop when they put it in play,” Fan said.
One other fan couldn’t help but imagine how dominant the pick-and-roll between Curry and Giannis would be, saying, “How is Steph going to protect Steph Giannis’ pnr with the screen setter?”
But of course the Western Conference is loaded and nothing is considered a lock, as one fan pointed out, “You still have to get through Denver and OKC, but it’s not that easy in the Western.”
If the Milwaukee Bucks are willing to trade Giannis, teams like the New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder would likely be in the driver’s seat with assets.
It would be difficult for Golden State to craft a sufficiently attractive trade package when compared to other offers, but the Warriors do have Jonathan Kuminga, who could be the centerpiece of a trade package.
The Warriors are keeping their most valuable young asset and could be ready to step on the field with Antetokounmpo.
Other young players like Moses Moody and Brandin Podzemski would also have to be included in that deal, but if the Warriors want to commit to another superstar, the opportunity could be there.