More than one month after the NBA trade deadline, new details reveal just how far the Warriors were willing to go to land Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Golden State offered four unprotected first-round picks in an attempt to acquire the two-time MVP ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline, but the proposal never gained meaningful traction, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported in a column published Friday, citing sources
That lack of momentum largely came down to Milwaukee’s asking price.
“Multiple sources across the league said the Bucks’ asking price was enormous, with an executive from a third team describing the Bucks’ process as ‘gauging the market’ and their price as ‘all our draft picks and good young players,'” Shelburne wrote.
The Bucks, according to the report, were more focused on acquiring younger building blocks — such as Evan Mobley or top prospect VJ Edgecombe — than a picks-heavy package alone.
That dynamic made a deal with Golden State difficult to materialize.
While the Warriors were willing to part with significant future draft capital, their roster — built around veteran stars — doesn’t feature the type of young cornerstone Milwaukee appeared to prioritize in talks.
Still, the reported offer underscores Golden State’s urgency.
With Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler all in their late 30s — and injuries impacting the team’s current outlook — the Warriors made a clear push to add another franchise centerpiece alongside Curry.
Antetokounmpo ultimately remained in Milwaukee, and Golden State pivoted — later acquiring Kristaps Porziņģis instead.
But with Antetokounmpo’s long-term future still uncertain and an extension decision looming, the framework of those talks offers a revealing look at just how high the bar is — not just for the Warriors, but for any team hoping to pry him away.
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