Warriors weigh pursuit of Antetokounmpo, options at No. 11 pick
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The Golden State Warriors are expected to join the field of teams exploring a trade for Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Monte Poole. While Poole calls the chase for the 31-year-old two-time MVP “the right call,” he notes that Golden State’s current offer, built primarily around draft assets and lacking top-tier young talent, could easily be outbid by rivals. He also points out that acquiring Antetokounmpo now carries greater risk than when the franchise first identified him as its primary target several years ago.
Poole adds that a failed bid should not be viewed as a setback for the Warriors, who would still retain their draft capital and roster flexibility if Milwaukee declines to engage.
Focus on the 11th overall selection
Assistant general manager Larry Harris said before the draft lottery that the organization was confident it would land a desirable player if the pick stayed at No. 11—exactly where it ultimately landed. “We feel really, really, really good about whatever player lands in our lap,” Harris told reporters, dismissing the notion that talent drops off sharply after the consensus top four prospects.
Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area highlighted five potential targets for that spot, including Michigan standouts Yaxel Lendeborg and Aday Mara. Johnson outlined advantages and concerns for each candidate from Golden State’s viewpoint.
Kerr signs on for two more years
Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic reports that head coach Steve Kerr’s new two-year contract was expected internally. Thompson describes Kerr as the ideal figure to steer Stephen Curry through the latter stages of his career and believes the coach’s track record has earned the locker room’s trust. Thompson adds that Kerr may need to adjust certain philosophies if the Warriors succeed in landing another marquee player.
Source: Hoops Rumors
