The Golden State Warriors, facing an uphill battle in the 2025 NBA Playoffs semifinals, were presented with a possibly league-altering trade proposal: Giannis Antetokounmpo for four players. This proposition emerged amidst a challenging postseason run for the Warriors.

Playoff Hopes Dented by Curry Injury

Despite a Game 7 victory against the Houston Rockets in the frist round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, the warriors’ momentum was abruptly halted. Stephen curry sustained an injury in game 1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, casting a shadow over their championship aspirations.

While Golden State managed to win the first game against minnesota, Curry’s absence proved significant. The Warriors later lost three consecutive games a playoffs marking only the second time in the Steve Kerr era that this had occurred. The first instance was during the 2016 NBA Finals against lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

antetokounmpo’s Future in Question

On the same day the Warriors faced potential elimination in the semifinals, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s uncertain future with the Milwaukee Bucks. Charania stated that Antetokounmpo has not made any firm decision about his future with the Bucks after the third consecutive elimination of the franchise in the postseason in the first round, but, but, for the first time in his career, he has an open mind to explore whether his best long -term option is to stay in Milwaukee or play somewhere else.

The Proposed Trade

Following reports that Antetokounmpo was considering a change of scenery, the portal ‘Heavy’ suggested a trade to the Golden State Warriors. The proposal involved leveraging the salary of $54.1 million of dollars Butler and incorporating assets such as Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody to entice the Bucks.Additionally, the Warriors possess at least two first round selections (of the draft) negotiable.

Antetokounmpo’s Admiration for Curry

In 2022, prior to this trade speculation, Giannis Antetokounmpo expressed his admiration for Stephen Curry. He stated,I think the best player in the world is Stephen Curry. The feeling I felt was pleasant (seeing the Warriors win). I felt jealous of Golden state, seeing them in the parade and in the (awards) Espys. Now, you know that feeling, you know what they are taking you away.