Giannis Antetokounmpo is likely on his way to the trade block, and the Golden State Warriors are frequently linked to the superstar.
While a Giannis trade sweepstakes could still be a long way from early December, you can bet that Steph Curry’s team will be a popular hypothetical destination for the multi-time MVP.
As every other interested suitor prepares their best package, one must wonder if the Warriors need to consult with their star guard before making a massive offer to land one of the biggest stars in the game.
Last season, the league saw the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers swap two big stars, and word is that LeBron James didn’t have a clue it was going down. Therefore, he didn’t sign off on it.
Would the Warriors take a similar path with Curry? The Athletic’s Nick Friedell doubts it.
“There’s no way in hell a Giannis deal goes down without Steph signing off on it,” said the NBA Insider.
“If the deal came down to Draymond has got to be in it to make it happen, then what does Steph do? I don’t think that scenario—I think Steph would have to know everything that’s going on—ultimately, [he would] have to sign off.
“Whether you agree or not that his prime is over, he’s still going to be here for, you would think, at least two or three more years. And if he’s here, two or three more years playing at a very high level, you’re not going to run the risk of pissing him off in the final stages of a career that has brought the team and the region so much success.”
Like Curry and the former Warrior Klay Thompson, Draymond Green has been a face of the franchise that is recognized as one of the best dynasties the NBA has seen. It’s clear that Green is regressing from his prime form, and Antetokounmpo remains an MVP-caliber player. On paper, it’s a no-brainer that if Green helps move the needle, then the Warriors should strike.
But keeping Curry happy will remain a priority for the Warriors as long as he’s in the mix. He’s been a face of the league since joining the Warriors in 2009 as their seventh-overall pick. Being a two-time MVP and having a hand in leading the team to four NBA Championship wins, Curry has the ears of the organization. It seems he would ultimately have to sign off on a deal to get the Greek Freak to California to play for the Warriors.
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