Warriors Slipping in Giannis Antetokounmpo Sweepstakes, Report Says

Giannis Antetokounmpo's future has been one of the biggest talking points in the NBA for the past year.

A two-time MVP still firmly in his prime, he sits at the center of a Milwaukee Bucks roster that appears caught between staying competitive and entering a full-blown reset.

Around the league, there's a growing sense that it's only a matter of time before the situation reaches a breaking point.

The Bucks have been widely described as "listening" rather than actively shopping their franchise cornerstone, but their aging roster, recent playoff disappointments, and rival teams’ stockpiling draft assets have all fueled speculation that a major move has become unavoidable if Milwaukee wants to maximize return.

Amid all of that, ESPN's Anthony Slater reported that the Golden State Warriors, long viewed as a potential landing spot, may not be nearly as well-positioned as once believed.

Speaking on 95.7 The Game's "Willard & Dibs" podcast, Slater said the Warriors are "not first in line, not second or third" when it comes to "packages that appeal most to Milwaukee."

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The Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves, as Slater noted, are two teams that have repeatedly been linked to landing Giannis.

NBA reporter Gery Woelfel recently indicated that the Heat have discussed a package built around Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel'el Ware, the No. 13 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and two future first-round selections.

Minnesota, meanwhile, has been tied to more player-heavy frameworks, with names like Julius Randle, Jaden McDaniels, and Rudy Gobert appearing in theoretical discussions, though their limited draft capital and the No. 28 pick this year reduce overall flexibility.

The Knicks have also been mentioned, with potential deals centered around Karl-Anthony Towns alongside one of their top wings, such as OG Anunoby or Mikal Bridges, plus multiple first-round picks, though they also face constraints on draft assets.

The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly explored offers built around Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, the No. 25 pick, and up to three future first-round selections with swap rights.

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Golden State's problem is less about star power and more about currency. Their best package would have to revolve around Brandin Podziemski, Jimmy Butler, and a bundle of future first-round picks, which would leave the franchise heavily depleted of draft assets moving forward.

But in a bidding war for a superstar of Giannis' magnitude, that type of offer may not even be enough.

Slater also noted that had the Warriors landed a top-four pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, things might look different. Instead, with pick No. 11, just one spot behind Milwaukee's own position in the draft order, it’s unlikely to meaningfully move the needle.

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This story was originally published May 21, 2026 at 9:46 PM.