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Ranking the Warriors' Best Assets They Could Trade For Giannis Antetokounmpo

By Tyler Kemp

Steph Curry (L) and Giannis Antetokounmpo playing together in the 2019 All Star Game
Steph Curry (L) and Giannis Antetokounmpo playing together in the 2019 All Star Game / Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

The Warriors are in an interesting position going into next season. They can decide to draft a future franchise player with their lottery pick or they could package it in order to re-tool another championship run or two with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. A target Golden State should be looking at in a trade is 2019 MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who will be a free agent after the 2020-21 season. Here are a few trade chips that GSW could use to get the Greek Freak.

5. Eric Paschall

Warriors rookie Eric Paschall
Warriors rookie Eric Paschall / Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images

The Warriors rookie out of Villanova exceeded expectations because of injuries to the Dubs’ top stars. Being that Paschall was a second-round pick, his financial and statistical value alone will not be enough to get Antetokounmpo. He would need to be packaged with other assets on this list in order for general manager Bob Myers to pose a legitimate package for the former MVP. In order to make the money work, his teammate that is next on the list could help.

4. Andrew Wiggins

Andrew Wiggins going up for a layup
Andrew Wiggins going up for a layup / Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Based on Steve Kerr’s system, Wiggins is not the best fit for what Golden State likes to do on the court. A volume shooter with a contract that is due to pay out $29 million next season, financials should not be a problem. Wiggins’ value on the court is the main problem. He has not gotten better since his Rookie of the Year campaign in 2015, and Milwaukee would ask for more in return. 

3. 2020 First-Round Pick

LaMelo Ball is a possible draft target for Golden State
LaMelo Ball is a possible draft target for Golden State / Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images

Golden State’s 2020 lottery pick has plenty of trade value. It can be flipped with other players already named on this list to go to Milwaukee. If the Bucks are to trade Giannis, they should expect a star and picks in exchange. With such a loaded draft class, Milwaukee just might take the bait with this pick. Package it with this next player, and both sides might have a deal.

2. Klay Thompson

Klay Thompson playing in the 2019 NBA Finals
Klay Thompson playing in the 2019 NBA Finals / Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Golden State would probably be reluctant to move the Warriors lifer after signing him to a long-term deal this past offseason. Even coming off of a torn ACL, Thompson has more value than the other trade chips on this list. A two-way wing who is already one of the greatest shooters ever can take the reins in Milwaukee. The concern is whether or not Golden State will pull the trigger.

1. 2021 First-Round Picks

Warriors GM Bob Myers (L) and head coach Steve Kerr (R)
Warriors GM Bob Myers (L) and head coach Steve Kerr (R) / Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

2021 is the most valuable year in terms of picks for Golden State. It holds its own first-round pick as well as Minnesota’s as long as it does not fall in the top three. If Golden State can find a way to flip the D’Angelo Russell return into Antetokounmpo, it is worth a shot. With two first-round picks and one of them expected to be in the lottery, this will be the key to a potential trade for Giannis.