In today’s Dub Hub:
- Should the Warriors explore a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo after reports surfaced that he and his agent have begun discussing his future with the Bucks?
- Warriors have reportedly “explored ways to acquire” Pelicans wing Herb Jones, per ClutchPoints.
- Clippers ‘parting ways’ with franchise legend Chris Paul, according to ESPN.
The Golden State Warriors have long been linked to Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Those rumors grew louder on Wednesday after ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Antetokounmpo and his agent have opened conversations about his future with the Bucks.
Any deal for the former two-time MVP and NBA champion would come at a massive cost, but it would also represent the kind of all-in
swing the Warriors have historically considered in pursuit of title contention. Golden State does possess a mix of young talent, draft capital, and sizable contracts that could theoretically match Milwaukee’s asking price. ESPN floated the following mock trade as an example of what a Warriors package for Antetokounmpo could look like:
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Thanasis AntetokounmpoBucks get:
Draymond Green
Jonathan Kuminga
Buddy Hield
2026 first-round pick
2028 first-round pick
2030 first-round pick (if 1 through 20)
2032 first-round pick
An offer this substantial would have the Warriors risking virtually all of their future assets, but the reality is it still may fall short of what teams like the New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs, or even the Oklahoma City Thunder could theoretically offer. Still, when a franchise-altering talent like Antetokounmpo becomes available, the Warriors have to at least consider the possibility.
For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Thursday, December 4th::
Warriors News:
Giannis trade guide: Five Bucks deals to alter the NBA title race | ESPN
This would be a Hail Mary trade for both teams.
Milwaukee could give Kuminga plenty of runway to see if he’s a long-term keeper and reroute Green — a proven winner and still elite defender — to a contender and extract the maximal pick package from Golden State, hoping that some of those outlying picks could be extremely lucrative once Stephen Curry retires.
For the Warriors, a blockbuster trade would represent an attempt to break out of the funk that has plagued them this season. Adding Antetokounmpo would be a supercharged version of last season’s trade for Jimmy Butler III and create a championship-caliber core, potentially with enough depth behind that star trio to scare the Thunder and the West’s best teams.
Except for a partially protected pick they owe to the Wizards in 2030, the Warriors still possess all of their future first-rounders. They need to decide whether they’re holding onto those picks to build for a post-Curry future, or whether they want to go all-in to pry open Curry’s championship window one final time.
Sources: Zion Williamson’s situation beyond repair with Pelicans open to trade offers | ClutchPoints
Herb Jones has been one of the most coveted two-way wings in the league, and the Pelicans have turned down multiple trade offers for him through the years.
The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors are among a handful of Western Conference contenders actively exploring ways to acquire Jones, league sources told ClutchPoints.
JJ Redick and Steve Kerr have never been shy about their appreciation for the avid fisherman from Alabama. Likewise, while Williamson’s market is cold, the trade value for Trey Murphy III remains robust and unchanged, a testament to his clear fit on a contender and All-Star potential.
Draymond Green doesn’t want to put too much pressure on De’Anthony Melton’s return
NBA News:
Sources: Chris Paul, Ty Lue weren’t on speaking terms ahead of PG’s ouster | ESPN
Paul and his leadership style clashed with Lue and the Clippers, according to sources, who told Charania that the 12-time All-Star was vocal in holding management, coaches and players accountable.
The Clippers felt that Paul’s style had become disruptive, sources told Charania.
Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank was scheduled to address reporters Wednesday afternoon. It was unclear whether Lue also would be in attendance for the media session.
Giannis Antetokounmpo expected to miss 2-4 weeks due to a calf strain, per ESPN’s Shams Charania
In case you missed it at Golden State of Mind:
Warriors vs. Thunder player grades: Pat Spencer and Seth Curry put on a show
Pat Spencer
21 minutes, 17 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 4 fouls, 8-for-14 shooting, 1-for-1 threes, 60.7% TS, -5
Hell yeah. That’s all I can really say: hell yeah. This was the Pat Spencer Game, and it was glorious. He made huge play after huge play in the fourth quarter as the Warriors improbably took the lead in a game they once trailed by 22 points.
He looked the part of a player who should be on a guaranteed contract, playing regular minutes. He’s not on a guaranteed contract, of course, and with De’Anthony Melton about to return and Seth Curry now in the fold, he probably won’t get regular minutes, either. But this was a strong reminder that he’s more than just a back-of-the-bench glue guy and spark plug. He’s a damn good basketball player.
Grade: A+
Post-game bonus: Tied for the team lead in points, led the team in assists.
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