There are only four teams left in the NBA playoffs as they continue to fight for a championship this season.

The other 26 teams are now preparing for the offseason, including the Golden State Warriors who were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs in five games by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

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Of course, the Warriors’ season ended in disappointment after their star guard Stephen Curry went down with an injury in Game 1 of the series as Golden State was unable to pull off another victory after his injury.

Golden State Warriors stars Jimmy Butler and Steph CurryTroy Taormina-Imagn Images

Now the Warriors enter a crucial offseason as they try to build a better roster around their star trio of Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green.

One player that may be on his way out of The Bay is Jonathan Kuminga who will enter the offseason as a restricted free agent.

With Kuminga being benched to being the playoffs and his role uncertain in the future, many expect him to end up on another team and Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey believes that team will be the Brooklyn Nets.

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“The Brooklyn Nets could have upwards of $50 million in cap space this summer, which makes them one of the teams that could give Kuminga the kind of offer sheet that might actually make (Joe) Lacob and the Warriors squirm,” Bailey wrote. “Because he’s set to be a restricted free agent, Golden State will have the option to match whatever he signs, but would it really want to pay him over $30 million annually?”

Of course, the Nets have a ton of cap space to go after a star player this summer but if they are unable to do so, Kuminga could also be on their radar after their reported interest in the young forward.

Apr 9, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) dribbles upcourt against the San Antonio Spurs in the second period at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Because of this, Brooklyn may make an offer that the Warriors are unwilling to match, which would see him leave Golden State.

While that may be the case, it is likely that if the Warriors are to move on from Kuminga in the offseason, they will look to complete a sign-and-trade deal for him so that they at least receive something in return.

The Golden State Warriors are staring down a pivotal offseason, and all signs point toward a major shake-up involving some key players. The team is unlikely to re-sign restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, while veterans Kevon Looney and Gary Payton II could also be on their way out.

The situation with Kuminga has become especially tense. Despite averaging 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists on 45.4% shooting this past season, his relationship with head coach Steve Kerr appears strained.

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A now-viral report revealed that Kerr was “incensed” after Kuminga ignored Stephen Curry during late-season games, opting to create his own offense instead. This led to Kuminga being benched for the regular-season finale and the play-in, and receiving limited minutes in the playoffs. The Warriors reportedly have no interest in offering a max extension, making a sign-and-trade the most realistic outcome.

Kuminga, just 22 years old and a former No. 7 overall pick, still holds significant trade value. A sign-and-trade could bring in a reliable rotation piece or draft assets, particularly for a team that wants to remain competitive around Curry and Jimmy Butler. Teams like the Nets, Hornets, and Magic have been linked as potential trade partners.

Meanwhile, Kevon Looney, a ten-year Warrior and three-time champion, may also be on his way out. Looney played just 15 minutes per game this season and fell out of the playoff rotation.

At 28, he may seek a new team where he can carve out a more consistent role and potentially secure a longer-term deal. He’s been a locker-room leader and a warrior (no pun intended) through injuries, but the frontcourt is crowded, and the Warriors could look to move on.

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Gary Payton II, another rotation mainstay, finds himself in a similar spot. Averaging just 15 minutes per game, Payton’s elite perimeter defense remains valuable, but he may be more useful to a team willing to give him a larger role. At 31 and in a contract year, Payton could chase a better opportunity in free agency.

On the other hand, the Warriors are expected to exercise team options on Trayce Jackson-Davis, Gui Santos, and Quinten Post. All three are young, affordable, and offer potential as future assets—either as part of the core or in trades. Jackson-Davis showed flashes of rim protection and rebounding. Santos offers wing depth, and Post brings size and a shooting touch as a developmental big.

Less certain are the futures of Kevin Knox and Pat Spencer, both unrestricted free agents. Knox may explore other offers after a quiet year, while Spencer, though well-liked in the locker room, remains on the fringe of the roster.

Ultimately, the Warriors are entering an offseason of retooling—not a full rebuild, but a necessary reshuffle around Curry. Kuminga’s exit feels inevitable, and with Looney and Payton also facing uncertain futures, the dynasty’s supporting cast may soon look very different.

Related: Wild Stat Shows Jonathan Kuminga’s Negative Impact On The Warriors; Trade Rumors Already Heating Up

Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half during game two of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.

With the Golden State Warriors trailing 2-1 to the Minnesota Timberwolves, their offseason will likely revolve around a major decision: whether to keep or move on from Jonathan Kuminga, who is set to hit restricted free agency.

Kuminga’s growth this season has made him one of Golden State’s most valuable young assets. He averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while shooting 45.4 percent from the field and 30.5 percent from deep.

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His athleticism and ability to attack the rim in transition or off cuts have been vital, especially during stretches when the Warriors’ offense stagnated.

Yet, with Jimmy Butler now on the roster and commanding a primary scoring role, Kuminga’s touches and role could shrink, casting doubt over whether the Warriors can fully commit to his development. This uncertainty opens the door to a bold sign-and-trade scenario with the Charlotte Hornets.

Proposed Trade Details:

Golden State Warriors Receive: Mark Williams, Josh Okogie, 2027 first-round pick via the Mavericks, 2030 first-round pick

Charlotte Hornets Receive: Jonathan Kuminga

This Trade Can Help The Warriors Make Another Title Push

From Golden State’s perspective, this is about extracting maximum value before possibly losing Kuminga for nothing. Mark Williams posted averages of 15.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks on 60.4 percent shooting before being sidelined and traded.

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He fills a critical need for the Warriors, who have lacked size, rim protection, and reliable interior scoring since moving on from James Wiseman.

While Golden State’s offensive philosophy doesn’t revolve around traditional bigs, Williams’ finishing around the rim and rebounding presence could give them a new dimension, particularly against teams like Denver or Minnesota.

Josh Okogie adds defensive grit and versatility, something Golden State’s second unit sorely needs. After arriving in Charlotte from Phoenix, Okogie averaged 8.9 points and 2.7 rebounds per game and continued to showcase his value as a perimeter defender and slasher.

The two future first-round picks, especially the 2027 selection from Dallas, give Golden State draft capital to play with either for rebuilding down the line or for making another move if they choose to go all-in with Stephen Curry still leading the charge.

Hornets Get Another Young Star

But this trade is equally significant for Charlotte.

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Kuminga offers the Hornets a potential star-in-the-making, perfectly aligned with their youth movement. Adding him to a core that already includes LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Tre Mann gives Charlotte four highly skilled young players, all under 25, who could grow together into a dangerous long-term group.

Kuminga’s ability to play either forward spot, attack in transition, and guard multiple positions fits well alongside Miller’s length and LaMelo’s playmaking. Tre Mann’s steady development also allows the team to run dynamic backcourt rotations.

With Mark Williams already on the trade block following a logjam in the frontcourt and Okogie unlikely to be part of the long-term rebuild, Charlotte essentially turns two expendable rotation pieces and future picks into a 21-year-old two-way wing with All-Star upside.

The reality is this: if Golden State does not see Kuminga as part of its long-term core, this might be the perfect opportunity to pivot. For Charlotte, the upside of Kuminga outweighs the outgoing pieces.

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For the Warriors, the return provides both short-term rotation upgrades and long-term flexibility. It’s a risk, but one that could make sense for both sides depending on how the postseason ends.

Related: 3 Best Destinations For The Exiled Jonathan Kuminga This Summer

It’s going to be a very interesting offseason ahead for the Golden State Warriors following another early exit in the playoffs.

One of the biggest decisions this team is facing comes on the Jonathan Kuminga front as the 6-foot-8 forward enters free agency this summer. Simply put, unless both parties are able to agree on a new contract, Kuminga will move on and part ways with Golden State.

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In a recent episode of his podcast, Warriors veteran Draymond Green addressed Kuminga’s situation with the team. The former Defensive Player of the Year started by heaping praise on his young teammate.

“We all know his talent,” Green said of Kuminga. “We all know, we all believe he could be. But now you have to make a huge financial commitment.”

Green commended Kuminga for how he responded to questions about his future with the Warriors. Kuminga showed his appreciation for head coach Steve Kerr for helping him get to where he is today, which, according to Green, was “such a responsible, great, well-thought answer.”

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr talks to forward Jonathan Kuminga.Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Kuminga had an up-and-down postseason with the Warriors. He did not play in four out of the seven games they had against the Houston Rockets, because of both an injury and the coach’s decision.

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The 22-year-old, however, went off in the second round against the Minnesota Timberwolves. With Steph Curry out injured in the final four games of the series, Kuminga averaged 24.3 points on 55.4% shooting.

Despite his strong play, Golden State still ended up losing all four games.

Be that as it may, Green remains adamant that the future is bright for Kuminga — regardless of whether he stays with the Warriors or otherwise.

“One thing’s for certain: whether it’s here or somewhere else, he’s gonna get paid, and he’s gonna have a very bright future,” Green said. “He proved himself.”

Kuminga, who Golden State drafted as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, is coming off his fourth season with the Warriors. In 47 games played this past year, he averaged 15.3 points on 45.4% shooting, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 24.3 minutes per contest.

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Whatever happens this summer will determine whether or not Kuminga will remain part of the Warriors’ long-term plans.

Related: NBA Reacts After Draymond Green Had Five Words for Anthony Edwards on Monday

Related: NBA Sends Message to Draymond Green Amid Looming Suspension

The Minnesota Timberwolves are heading back to a familiar place. The Wolves knocked off the Golden State Warriors 121-110 on Wednesday night to advance to the Western Conference finals.

The Wolves routed the seventh-seeded Warriors in a rowdy Game 5 environment, advancing to their second straight West finals. Six Minnesota players scored in double figures as Julius Randle led all scorers with 29 points. He also had eight rebounds and five assists. Anthony Edwards added 22 points, seven rebounds and 12 assists. Rudy Gobert scored 17 points and Mike Conley had 16 in an all-around performance.

Golden State made the most of its opportunities, but each time the Steph Curry-less Warriors made a run, the Wolves answered. Brandin Podziemski led Golden State with 28 points, Jonathan Kuminga scored 26 points and Jimmy Butler scored 17 points, grabbed six rebounds and tallied six assists.

The Wolves will face either the Denver Nuggets or the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Earlier in the night, the Boston Celtics lived to play another day, beating the New York Knicks 127-102 in Game 5, narrowing New York’s series lead to 3-2.

Boston won its first game of the series since the injury to star Jayson Tatum, who tore his Achilles in Game 4. The Knicks kept it tight in the first half but were outscored by the Celtics 32-17 in the third quarter. Derrick White led the way for Boston with 34 points, three rebounds and two assists, alongside Jaylen Brown’s 26 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds.

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Jalen Brunson scored 22 for the Knicks before fouling out with more than seven minutes left in the fourth quarter.

The Knicks and Celtics play Friday at 8 p.m. ET.

Timberwolves 121, Warriors 110

(Wolves win series 4-1)

Warriors can only look ahead to the future

The Warriors’ season is over. They played their final four games without Curry and lost all four, failing to give his strained hamstring enough time to heal. Steve Kerr said before the game Wednesday that Curry could possibly return in Game 6, but there won’t be a Game 6.

Instead, the Warriors can only wonder what could’ve been with a healthy Curry in the second round and prep for a summer of questions about how best to fill out the rotation under Curry.

They believe they’ve given him the necessary second scorer and co-star. Jimmy Butler went quiet in the final two losses to Minnesota but fit brilliantly next to Curry upon his arrival at the trade deadline, forming an inside-outside scoring combo that delivered a floundering team back to fringe contention.

The Warriors surged from 11th place to seventh. They had the best defense in the league in the final two months. They went 23-7 when Curry and Butler were both in the lineup. They beat the second-seeded Rockets in the first round and were up 30-20 in Game 1 in Minnesota when Curry’s left hamstring gave, and their playoff chances essentially disappeared.

Draymond Green is expected back next to Curry and Butler. Below them, the Warriors will go searching for reinforcements via trade and the free-agent market. Kuminga’s future is in question. The restricted free agent could be retained or used in sign-and-trade scenarios to bring different talent back.

The Warriors could use a more impactful starting center and some supplementary shooting and scoring, providing more space for Butler, who struggled to find any once Curry went down. They could also use a leap from some of their young talent, such as Kuminga, Moses Moody and Podziemski, who all struggled at various points of the playoffs.

But that’s been the story the last couple of years for the two-timeline Warriors, attempting to compete at the end of Curry’s window while drafting and developing simultaneously. They haven’t escaped the second round since the 2022 title. — Anthony Slater, Warriors senior writer

Wolves’ early-season struggles are paying off

This Timberwolves season has been a slog at times. It was frustrating early in the season watching them struggle to incorporate Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo while Karl-Anthony Towns thrived in New York. But they never gave in to the struggle, they leaned into it. And now they are right back where they were last season, in the Western Conference finals.

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They had to work for it. The Warriors, even without Curry, were spirited opponents the whole way through, including in Game 5. It looked like the Wolves were going to run away with it when they led by 21 to start the fourth quarter. But the Warriors cut it to 9 before the Wolves closed the door.

Now they are headed to back-to-back conference finals for the first time in franchise history. No matter who they face, they will go in confident they can win it.

Forever and ever, people in the league and in the market would use “typical Timberwolves” as a pejorative, implying dysfunction and losing. Now “typical Timberwolves” has a new meaning: contenders. — Jon Krawczynski, Wolves staff writer

Conley brings veteran presence in big win

Only complacency could’ve kept the Timberwolves from securing the Warriors series Wednesday night. The Wolves were aware. Ending things in Game 5 required a distinct degree of urgency, and who better to display that from the outset than the man who understands what that means more than any other? Who better to lead the Timberwolves on this night than veteran point guard Conley?

The 18-year pro impacts games in ways that aren’t always tangible. He whispers intel into Edwards’ ears during timeouts. When the Timberwolves’ coaching staff needs to disseminate a message, they can often rely on Conley. Sometimes, though, his production is paramount. Wednesday became one of those nights. The ball swung to him in rhythm, and Conley buried 3-pointers, hitting 4 of 6 attempts.

He zipped timely passes, too. Twice in the second quarter, Conley snagged deflections, then threaded passes between defenders toward center Gobert. Conley finished with 16 points and eight rebounds. The stat line was not spectacular, but Conley’s rarely is, even when he is stabilizing games that matter in his team’s pursuit of a title. — Alec Lewis, NBA staff writer

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Celtics 127, Knicks 102

(Knicks lead series 3-2)

Knicks fall apart in the third quarter

The Knicks’ 25-year drought of not making the Eastern Conference finals will continue a few more days, at least.

After going into halftime tied with the Tatum-less Celtics, the Knicks had the doors blown off in the third quarter en route to a massive Boston win. New York’s transition defense was abysmal and allowed Boston’s best shooters to step into comfortable 3s. Then, the half-court defense began to crumble, and those same tremendous shooters were taking practice shots in a half-court setting.

The Knicks were in foul trouble for most of the night. Brunson had five fouls in the third quarter alone and fouled out with over seven minutes left in the game.

Boston’s defense was sound, and the tweak to have Brown guard Brunson paid off tremendously. New York shot 34 percent from the floor before coach Tom Thibodeau decided to pull his starters.

The Knicks still have a 3-2 series lead and need just one more victory to reach the Eastern Conference final. They need to wrap it up as soon as possible, though, as the fast-paced and well-rested Pacers are awaiting their next opponent.

However, despite leading the series, New York has a minus-30-plus point differential in this series. They’ve trailed big in every game. The Knicks can’t keep letting this happen. — James L. Edwards III, Knicks staff writer

Benching Porziņģis for Kornet pays off

Kristaps Porziņģis entered Game 5 shooting 5-for-18 in the series. Battling through an illness that first started impacting him in late February, he was clearly slow on both ends of the floor over the first four games. With Tatum sidelined by a ruptured Achilles tendon, the Celtics started Porziņģis next to Al Horford anyway.

The decision did not work. Over Porziņģis’ 12 first-half minutes, the Celtics were outscored by 12 points. He missed all three of his field goal attempts and grabbed only one rebound, continuing an ineffective playoff run. With the season on the line, coach Joe Mazzulla benched the big man for the entire second half.

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To start the third quarter, Mazzulla replaced Porziņģis with Luke Kornet, who delivered one of his best halves ever. Kornet swatted five Knicks shots during an incredible third quarter. He finished with 10 points, nine rebounds and seven blocks to keep the Celtics alive. He was impactful enough in Game 5 that it’s even easier to question why Mazzulla stayed with Porziņģis as much as he did earlier in the series. — Jay King, Celtics staff writer

Rare fouls from Brunson

The surprise from Wednesday night wasn’t that the Celtics won in their home building. It’s how it happened. The Boston avalanche began at the beginning of the third quarter and didn’t stop. The Celtics drew fouls. They got to the free-throw line 18 times in the period. They drained 3s and got out in transition. The Knicks shot only 4 of 20 from the field in the third.

It was no surprise the defending champs could go on a potentially season-altering run, even without Tatum. But the shocker came with it: It seemed almost as if the Knicks let it happen.

Brunson, who rarely fouls, committed five fouls just in the third. The Knicks’ starting lineup, which has underwhelmed and was a minus-22 in this series, was struggling again. After strong first halves from reserves Mitchell Robinson and Miles “Deuce” McBride, Thibodeau didn’t make a substitution until late in the quarter. By the time the bench players came in, the Knicks had let go of the rope. — Fred Katz, senior NBA writer

Brown comes through for Boston

With Tatum gone, Brown had to step up. But he has looked like a shell of himself all series. Could he really transform into, well, Brown? There was no doubt by the end of the third quarter. Brown was not his usual explosive self, which may never be a thing for the rest of this still interminable playoff run. But he showed he can manage a game from the ground, executing every facet of the game plan to perfection after halftime.

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The Celtics had a chance to get into the bonus early, so Brown kept driving at Towns and Brunson until the Celtics could just live at the line. He even got Brunson to foul out early in the fourth quarter, allowing the Celtics to hold onto a big lead.

Kornet changed the game in the second half, and White got them there, but Brown showed he can step up in Tatum’s absence to run this Celtics team the way they always have. Who knows if this will last through Game 6, but at least he can leave Celtics fans on a high note if this was their last time at TD Garden this season. — Jared Weiss, Celtics staff writer

(Photo: Ellen Schmidt / Getty Images)

There is a possibility that Jonathan Kuminga has played his final game with the Warriors.

Selected No. 7 overall by Golden State in the 2021 NBA Draft, the first of the Warriors’ two lottery picks that year, along with guard Moses Moody (No. 14 overall), Kuminga’s tenure with Golden State has been anything but smooth.

And as his fourth NBA season comes to a close with the Warriors’ 121-110 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals on Wednesday at Target Center, it appears increasingly likely the 22-year-old could play elsewhere next season.

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Kuminga, who reportedly is expected to have his $7.9 million qualifying offer extended by the Warriors this offseason, making him a restricted free agent in July, will explore sign-and-trade scenarios with Golden State, The Athletic’s Anthony Slater and Marcus Thompson reported Thursday, citing league sources.

“Both sides are expected to explore sign-and-trade scenarios, those sources said, which would open up the market and theoretically give Kuminga the contract and fresh start he’d desire while bringing the Warriors back rotation players of immediate value,” Slater and Thompson wrote. “The Warriors’ decision-makers believe they need more positional size across the board — center and otherwise.”

However, Slater and Thompson also reported, citing league sources, that a reunion between Kuminga and the Warriors still is on the table.

The Athletic spoke with Warriors CEO Joe Lacob immediately after Golden State’s season-ending loss on Wednesday, and the long-time Kuminga proponent reaffirmed his support for the young forward.

“I was listening to the guys behind me tonight give running commentary — T-Wolves fans,” Lacob told The Athletic. “(Kuminga)’s the guy they talked about all night long. He’s the only guy that could really guard (Anthony Edwards) out there. Did a pretty damn good job. He had a tough situation with the DNPs from the last series, and to bounce back from that, I give him a lot of credit. I’m a big fan of his.”

Will Lacob’s advocacy play a role in Golden State potentially signing Kuminga to a lucrative long-term contract this summer, or will the Warriors leverage his value to land players who are better fits for coach Steve Kerr’s rotations?

We will find out in the coming months.

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The Golden State Warriors season is over. After failing to escape the Western Conference Semifinals, general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. enters the offseason trying to build a team that can help Steph Curry win his fifth career NBA title. After ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is considering whether he wants to leave Milwaukee earlier this week, every front office has to be evaluating a potential path to acquiring the two-time MVP.

While Antetokounmpo is rumored to be eyeing an Eastern Conference landing spot in a state with no income tax (which would leave the Magic and Heat as his only options), Golden State has reason to believe he’d be open to a union. Antetokounmpo’s longstanding friendship with Steph Curry has led to speculation for years about the Warriors uniting the two superstars.

So If a Giannis trade is on the horizon, can the Dubs offer the Bucks enough to get it done?

Before diving into the specifics, it’s worth clarifying the draft pick capital the Warriors can offer. Assuming a deal is made after the draft, Golden State can trade three unprotected first-round picks (2026, 2028, and 2031*). While some ancillary swaps and second-round picks could be added, a Giannis trade will most likely require a haul of picks that includes at least two unprotected first rounders.

*The Warriors technically cannot trade their 2031 first-round pick because it is possible they will send their 2030 first-round pick to the Wizards from the Chris Paul trade. Nevertheless, this would turn into an unprotected 2032 first in that scenario.

It’s important to note that draft picks have no way of carrying the Warriors to victory in a Giannis sweepstakes. Teams like the Rockets, Nets, Thunder, and Spurs all have astronomical amounts of draft capital. Dozens of other teams have a better package of picks to offer than Golden State.

A scenario where the Dubs finally pair Antetokounmpo with Curry will likely require a combination of several factors; Giannis would have to be interested in joining the Warriors, the Bucks would have to be willing to let him exert some preference over the process, and Milwaukee’s front office would need to have high opinions of several Warriors.

With so many big names expected to be on the trade block this offseason, deals will likely get complicated very quickly. There’s a world where the Warriors and Bucks become a part of a massive four-team sign-and-trade sends Kuminga to Milwaukee, Jimmy Butler to the Suns, and Kevin Durant to the Heat. There are several other blockbuster iterations theoretically in play, but for the sake of this primer, let’s focus on a straightforward two team deal.

First off, the Warriors cannot acquire Antetokounmpo’s max contract while retaining Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green. So, since Curry’s not going anywhere, it stands to reason that Butler or Green would be heading to the Bucks.

Milwaukee could want to redirect either veteran All-Star to a third team for more young pieces, but that seems unlikely. Neither Butler nor Green are valuable enough to recoup a massive haul in a trade. Since the Bucks do not have control of their upcoming first-round picks, they are not in a position where tanking seems beneficial. In fact, that’s one thing that could work in the Warriors favor, given their collection of young prospects and proven veterans.

Obviously the Warriors would presumably center Giannis talks around Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski. Kuminga is going to be a restricted free agent and will likely sign a four-year deal with an average annual value in the $20-$30 million range. Still only 22, Kuminga’s production has steadily improved throughout his career and he has continued to flash All-Star potential. While he was removed from the Dubs rotation heading into the playoffs, he performed exceptionally in the Western Conference Semifinals. If the Bucks are looking for another wing to build their franchise around in a Giannis trade, Kuminga could be one of their best options.

Podziemski has already proven to be a valuable role player in Golden State, becoming the team’s starting shooting guard for most of his first two seasons. A well-rounded contributor, Podziemski has flashed the offensive potential to be something more at times too. With Damian Lillard out for all of next season, the Bucks could potentially slot Podziemski in at point guard next year before sliding him back to the two when Lillard returns.

So, with those two settled as young centerpieces, let’s get into some deals.

Jonathan Kuminga*, Draymond Green, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and a draft pick haul for Giannis Antetokounmpo

This is the only semi-realistic path for the Warriors to head into next season with a trio of Curry, Antetokounmpo, and Butler. The Warriors would need to unload Buddy Hield’s contract, but that shouldn’t be a problem given his impressive postseason. Still, Golden State would effectively have just $21.6 million to spread across their final 8 roster spots. It would be the most top-heavy “Big Three” roster since LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh first teamed up with the Heat.

Is that still a viable path to a championship in the stacked Western Conference?

For Milwaukee, Green has still proven capable of anchoring an elite defense even as he ages. Moreover, with two years remaining on his contract, the Bucks have control of Draymond in the near future without having to worry about a massive albatross.

Despite Moody’s struggles this postseason, he is still a young former lottery pick wing under contract for less than $15 million per season that was a solid starter on a playoff team. Even with an array of young guards in Milwaukee, Moody would have a strong case for a starting spot. If the Bucks prefer their internal options, then Moody could be swapped to a third team for either a big or point guard that’s a better fit on the roster. Nevertheless, he is another young controllable piece that would improve their depth.

Still, this deal seems like a lose-lose for both sides. The Warriors roster would be exceedingly thin and the Bucks would probably be looking at a 30-35 win team. Even in the abysmal Eastern Conference, that probably falls short of the playoffs.

*Kuminga would need to receive a deal with a first-year cap figure of less than $30.4 million

Jimmy Butler, Jonathan Kuminga*, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and a draft pick haul for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis**, and Pat Connaughton***

It’s easier to see the Bucks remaining competitive if they add Butler. In this deal, the Bucks would pair the aging do-it-all Butler with the young Kuminga who is more than happy to shoulder the scoring load. After Curry’s injury in the playoffs, Kuminga and Butler seemed to figure out how to play off each other well in the Western Conference Semifinals.

No one would confuse this Bucks roster for a title contender, but assuming they solidify their front court depth in free agency they would probably be expected to reach the play-in tournament with a shot at a top-six seed if Kuminga takes a step forward.

If I were the Bucks, I’d insist on sending Kyle Kuzma to the Dubs instead of Portis and Connaughton. However, the Milwaukee front office just traded franchise icon Khris Middleton and a future first-round pick swap for Kuzma a few months ago. I imagine that would lead them to prefer retaining Kuzma unless the return was more sizable.

The Warriors would be cashing in most of their chips, but would still have enough veteran depth to foresee a championship path. They would immediately have a starting lineup of Curry, Hield, Giannis, Green, and Portis with a mid-level exception at their disposal to add another prominent bench piece to team with Connaughton, Quinten Post, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and Gui Santos.

Antetokounmpo and Green will be an awkward fit offensively, but the Dubs would have the shooting to offset issues of spacing. Moreover, Draymond and Giannis would immediately become the best defensive duo in the league. Nothing could be guaranteed in the stacked Western Conference, but assuming general manager Mike Duneavy Jr. filled out the roster with complimentary veteran pieces, they would head into next season as a favorite to be a top-three seed in the West.

*Kuminga would need to receive a deal with a first-year cap figure of less than $30.6 million

**Portis has a $13.4 million player option and it remains a toss-up as to whether he will exercise it or not. I believe the Warriors could entice him to opt-in by offering him a starting spot and potentially even a small extension.

***Connaughton has a $9.4 million player option. Given his small role this past season, he is seems like a lock to opt in.

It is technically possible for the Warriors to offer just one of Green or Butler without Kuminga, instead using some combination of Moody, Podziemski, Post, and Buddy Hield to fill in the offer. However, even in a post-Luka Dončić trade world those hypothetical offers still seem exceptionally light on upside.

If neither of those deals are enough to get it done, Golden State has the option to up the ante one more time.

Jimmy Butler, Jonathan Kuminga*, Draymond Green, Brandin Podziemski, and a draft pick haul for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kyle Kuzma, and Bobby Portis

If you told me that the Warriors are going to acquire Antetokounmpo this offseason, this is the framework of a trade I find most plausible. It requires the Warriors ending Curry’s tenure alongside Green and parting with Butler as well, but that’s a price worth paying for a top-five player in the NBA.

Given the abysmal state of the Eastern Conference, the Bucks might not be too afraid of adding two aging All-Stars with only two years left on their contracts. For Milwaukee, this deal would immediately give them a sturdy wing core comprised of Butler, Kuminga, and Green.

Butler and Green have anchored the best defense in the NBA since the trade deadline, and there’s no reason to believe they could not carry that success over to the Bucks. Incredibly smart players, Butler and Green’s biggest weakness is scoring, but that’s the one place where Kuminga has thrived most. Moreover, while it may not be wise to bet on Lillard’s return, there’s a world where he forms a dynamic 1-2 offensive punch with Kuminga to make the Bucks an exciting team to watch in 2026-27.

The Warriors would be back to just two stars, but would have more remaining role players to make up for it. They could surround Antetokounmpo with the best shooting lineup of his career, potentially starting The Greek Freak alongside Curry, Hield, Moody, and Portis. They would also still have the mid-level exception to supplement a bench unit that would have Kuzma, Post, Santos, and Jackson-Davis.

*Kuminga would need to receive a deal with a first-year cap figure of less than $32.7 million

Of course, all of these options are only on the table if Kuminga plays along.

If the Brooklyn Nets make Kuminga a max offer or he simply has no interest in Milwaukee, a sign-and-trade to the Bucks comes off the table. If that’s the case, a trade for Giannis becomes significantly harder to envision.

The Warriors best offer would be Butler, Green, Moody, Hield, Podziemski, Post, and a draft pick haul. Five of those players might be good enough to immediately comprise the Bucks starting lineup, possibly leading the team to the playoffs (probably via the play-in). However, with Butler and Green only getting older, it’s hard to imagine the upside of Podizemski or Moody enticing the Bucks.

Do the Warriors have a chance to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo?

It remains uncertain what teams will be viable players in a trade sweepstakes for Giannis. The San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, Memphis Grizzlies, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Brooklyn Nets all seem like potential competitors in a bidding war. It will come down to threading a needle between both Antetokounmpo and the Bucks front office’s priorities.

The Warriors have a big brand market and a superstar with a longstanding connection to Antetokounmpo. It stands to reason that should be enough to at least get Golden State on a shortlist for the Bucks to consider their offers.

If the Warriors get to that point, they can offer Milwaukee immediate veteran stability to potentially remain a playoff team (Butler & Green), young prospects who already contribute with the upside to develop into foundational franchise pieces (Kuminga & Podziemski), and a trio of first-round picks to continue adding young talent in the future.

Would that be enough? Only time will tell. But there’s no doubt that Joe Lacob and Mike Dunleavy Jr. are surely going to try.