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Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors

The 2025-26 Golden State Warriors have been built on a veteran core. Steve Kerr’s leading stars are Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, and Al Horford, all of whom are on the wrong side of 30.

There’s no doubt that Steve Kerr’s roster will be a threat in the Western Conference. They have exceptional experience across the team, a superstar point guard, and some young, upcoming talent in Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski.

However, Fox Sports’ Collin Cowherd believes that building around some of the league’s elder statesmen will ensure the Warriors struggle to secure a championship. As such, he thinks the Warriors should do everything in their power to secure Giannis Antetokounmpo at the trade deadline.

“I would trade Jimmy Butler, Jonathan Kuminga, and four first-round picks for Giannis and see if it’s enough,” Cowherd said. “…Steve Kerr’s too smart to think that, yeah, these old guys— I don’t buy it. I think Warriors tickets are expensive; as long as Steph’s around, they’re fun. The West is young, athletic on the wing, great rim protectors everywhere.”

Cowherd’s trade proposal for Giannis would likely fall short of what the Milwaukee Bucks would be looking for. However, if the Warriors were willing to include additional young talent such as Podziemski, Moses Moody, or even Trayce Jackson-Davis, a deal could be agreed.

Giannis Would Thrive Next To Stephen Curry

We’ve already seen how well Butler fits next to Curry, primarily due to the veteran forward’s ability to capitalize on the space Curry’s movement creates. In theory, Giannis could do the same. His style is similar to Butler’s in that he’s at his best downhill and can use his penetration to manipulate defenses and create for shooters on the perimeter.

Giannis is also a blur in transition, and can be unstoppable when building up steam on full-court darts to the rim. With both Green and Horford on the floor, Giannis would have elite defenders around him, too. Both veteran forwards can also space the floor on the perimeter and create out of multiple scenarios.

A star pairing of Giannis and Curry would undoubtedly catapult the Warriors into championship contention. Nevertheless, Milwaukee will likely do everything in its power to resist the temptation to cash in on its two-time MVP.

Giannis Is Unlikely To Join The Warriors

When speaking with Eric Nehm of The Athletic, following reports that the New York Knicks were at the top of Giannis’ preferred destinations, he reiterated his commitment to the Bucks.

“When the season starts, I try to get off social media and I try to focus on my craft and the team, but yeah, I’ve said many times, I want to be in a situation that I can win and now I’m here. I believe in this team. I believe in my teammates,” Antetokounmpo said. “…So all the extra stuff does not matter. I think I’ve communicated with my teammates, communicated with the people I respect and love that the moment I step on this court or in this facility, I wear this jersey, the rest does not matter.”

Golden State has looked to begin the season. They should be in no rush to make any significant moves. The current roster is more than good enough to contend for a championship. However, if the team falls short this season, the Warriors should certainly explore what it would take to bring him to the Bay Area next summer.

Adam Taylor is a basketball reporter covering the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks and Miami Heat for Heavy. He holds bylines for CelticsBlog, USA Today and Yardbarker. Adam also covers the WWE and AEW. He has a bachelor’s degree in creative writing from Open University. More about Adam Taylor

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