Golden State Not in Giannis Antetokounmpo Running — ESPN Analyst

The Golden State Warriors are not among the top suitors for Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason according to ESPN NBA reporter Anthony Slater. On 95.7 The Game in the Bay Area, Slater said Golden State is “not first in line, not second, or third in line really at this point as far as packages that appeal most to Milwaukee.”

Slater’s comments come after reports that the Warriors had shown interest in acquiring Antetokounmpo before the trade deadline. However, Golden State lacks the salary flexibility or asset depth to make a compelling offer for the two-time MVP.

The main obstacle for the Warriors is matching the salary requirements for a blockbuster deal. Antetokounmpo is under contract through 2025 with a $38.9 million cap hit this season. Golden State would need to include Jimmy Butler or Draymond Green in any trade package, a prospect both teams have shown little interest in pursuing.

The Warriors have not aggressively pursued a superstar this offseason despite their championship pedigree. Instead, Slater suggests the team is focused on maintaining roster balance. Golden State’s current roster includes four players aged 30 or older, including Stephen Curry (36) and Klay Thompson (34).

Slater noted the Warriors’ plan to avoid leaning too heavily on veterans or raw young players. The team’s 2024-25 roster currently has just one player younger than 24, Jonathan Kuminga (23).

“I think (the Warriors) are not first in line, not second, or third in line really at this point as far as packages that appeal most to Milwaukee,” Slater said.

The NBA free agency and trade deadline is set for June 30. The Warriors have until then to finalize moves that could reshape their title window. With no blockbuster deals on the horizon, Golden State’s path to a third title will likely rely on its current veteran core.