Warriors-Bucks trade pitch sees Golden State mortgage future to land generational $175 million star

Warriors-Bucks trade pitch sees Golden State mortgage future to land generational $175 million star originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .

If the Golden State Warriors want to prove their doubters wrong this offseason and enter the 2026-27 campaign with a far more competitive roster than they had last year, they’ll have to be willing to surrender several key assets and draft capital.

Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus believes the Dubs could ultimately do so, as the NBA writer crafted a blockbuster trade proposal that would see Golden State mortgage its future to acquire a generational Milwaukee Bucks star forward.

“The Warriors can offer (the Bucks) Wisconsin native (Brandin) Podziemski (for Giannis Antetokounmpo ), who is extension eligible this summer; however, (Jimmy) Butler is recovering from a knee injury and is expected to miss the start of the 2026-27 season,” Pincus wrote Thursday.

“At 36, Butler isn't Milwaukee's ideal piece to build around, though his expiring $56.8 million contract could be used again in trade. The Bucks' value lies in the draft compensation, which consists of distant first-round picks, with the hope that Steph Curry and Antetokounmpo are winding down by then.”

"For Golden State to have a real shot, Antetokounmpo would probably need to push extremely hard to make it happen. That would include scaring off other suitors by promising to leave as a free agent in 2027.”

For clarity, Pincus’ massive trade pitch would send Butler, Podziemski, a 2026 first-rounder, a 2027 first-rounder, a 2030 protected first-rounder, and a 2032 protected first-rounder to the Bucks for Antetokounmpo.

Obviously, landing Antetokounmpo would be considered a win-now transaction for the Warriors, as sending multiple future first-round picks to a franchise for a proven superstar indicates that winning in the present is a clear priority.