Warriors Lead Race for Giannis Ahead of Thursday Deadline; Timberwolves, Blazers, Sixers, Nets Remain in Mix
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With the NBA trade deadline set for Thursday at 2:00 p.m. CT, multiple clubs are jockeying for position should the Milwaukee Bucks make Giannis Antetokounmpo available, league sources told several outlets.
Golden State aggressively pursuing deal
• ClutchPoints reported Monday morning that the Golden State Warriors have been the most persistent suitor, submitting an offer heavy on draft picks.
• The Stein Line’s Jake Fischer added that Golden State was “cautiously optimistic” over the weekend but has heard Antetokounmpo might be lukewarm about joining an older roster and facing potential backlash for teaming with Stephen Curry.
• Warriors officials prefer to keep Jimmy Butler—currently sidelined by a torn ACL—out of any package, according to Fischer. Offers discussed have been built around Jonathan Kuminga and Draymond Green. Rival teams do not expect Milwaukee to keep Green if acquired, and his market is considered uncertain because of a $27 million player option for 2026-27.
Timberwolves preparing multiple scenarios
• The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski reported that Minnesota has spent weeks planning for a possible pursuit. The club believes its recent back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances, plus Antetokounmpo’s mutual respect with Anthony Edwards, could be selling points.
• Some executives remain unconvinced Milwaukee will move the two-time MVP before Thursday, believing stronger offers could surface this summer.
Portland weighs role as bidder or facilitator
• Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report wrote that the Trail Blazers hold appealing assets, notably Milwaukee’s own first-round picks from 2028-2030, but face a higher risk because they are not currently contenders and have no indication Antetokounmpo would re-sign beyond his 2027-28 player option.
• Portland is open to acting as a third-team intermediary if it can land a player it values; Highkin does not expect Mikal Bridges or Jalen McDaniels to meet that threshold.
Philadelphia expected to make a call
• On Yahoo Sports’ podcast, PHLY Sports’ Kyle Neubeck said the 76ers “will definitely inquire” before the deadline, noting president of basketball operations Daryl Morey historically targets star talent. Rookie guard VJ Edgecombe is still considered off-limits in talks, Neubeck added.
Nets’ position unclear
• Despite earlier reports, The New York Post’s Brian Lewis said Monday afternoon that Brooklyn had not yet contacted Milwaukee about Antetokounmpo. ClutchPoints later corrected its initial claim that the Nets had already reached out.
As speculation intensifies, several hypothetical trades—outlined by ESPN’s Zach Kram and Kevin Pelton and evaluated by Bobby Marks—underscore the widespread interest in the 31-year-old, five-time All-Defensive selection. Milwaukee has not publicly indicated whether it will consider offers before Thursday’s cutoff.
Source: Hoops Rumors
