The Golden State Warriors were persistent in trying to pry Giannis Antetokounmpo away from the Milwaukee Bucks this season, but they were ultimately shooed away. This summer, when the trade chatter picks up again, they will certainly insert themselves back into the mix. If they get some luck and acquire one of the top picks in this draft, perhaps the Bucks would listen this time.
Warriors need luck to get Milwaukee's attention
Golden State's offer for Giannis this past trade deadline just wasn't going to cut it. Draymond Green or Jimmy Butler with a torn ACL, Jonathan Kuminga, and draft picks for one of the best players league-wide? Meh. The Milwaukee Bucks would have been better off accepting the Miami Heat's offer, which revolved around solid young picks and players.
What Golden State truly lacked was a blue-chip prospect. Kuminga is a quality young player, but he is not the ideal centerpiece of a trade for Giannis. Green or Butler certainly are not helping the franchise rebound after trading away a franchise icon. If they miraculously land a top choice in one of the most loaded draft classes in recent memory, things suddenly tip in their favor this summer.
The Warriors are currently projected to pick 11th, one slot behind the Milwaukee Bucks. However, just like with the Dallas Mavericks last summer, there is always a chance that a dark horse could snag the top pick or one of the few close by. If the Warriors can suddenly offer Milwaukee an opportunity to add a piece like AJ Dybantsa or Cam Boozer, that's a compelling pitch.
Warriors' getting lottery luck could be ultimate win-win scenario
If Giannis proceeds with seeking a fresh start and the Warriors land a top pick, both sides could do each other a massive favor.
At 38, Stephen Curry is not getting older. Father Time is undefeated. Could one of the best players in this upcoming draft class help the Warriors compete? Yes, but given that a good chunk of this class is comprised of freshmen, it could take time. Trading for one of the NBA's best players would be a much better immediate recipe for success.
For the Milwaukee Bucks, they would land an excellent young talent who could potentially be the next face of the franchise. In addition to adding a player via the Warriors, they would also have the chance to bring in a piece courtesy of their own pick. If both Golden State and Milwaukee get lucky, say by having each team land top five in the lottery, that's a dream way to start a rebuild/retool.
There are plenty of "ifs" in this scenario. Giannis has to go through with asking out. The Warriors must land a top pick. Nothing is set in stone at this point. Yet, if Golden State wants to make their Giannis dreams finally come true, they better hope they have some luck on their side.
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