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The Golden State Warriors appear to be one of the most serious suitors for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, but a deal to land the two-time MVP may have to involve one of the team’s beloved veterans.
Per NBA insiders Jake Fischer and Marc Stein, a deal for Antetokounmpo “is unlikely to involve Jimmy Butler’s contract” after his season-ending torn ACL. That could mean Draymond Green would replace Butler in a trade for financial purposes.
“It has long been assumed that a credible Golden State offer would have to include Green or Butler for salary-matching purposes,” Fischer wrote.
With the Warriors stuck deciding whether they’re willing to part ways with Green if it means landing Antetokounmpo, another West Coast team reportedly has emerged.
According to Fischer and Stein, the Portland Trail Blazers have “expressed” interest in landing Antetokounmpo. Fischer noted that the Blazers’ interest comes with the understanding that “it would be an extreme longshot to convince Giannis to sign a contract extension that keeps him in the Pacific Northwest.”
The duo added that Antetokounmpo has “maintained a closeness” with Blazers’ vets Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday, both former Bucks point guards.
If Portland is unable to land Antetokounmpo, the report noted that the team could participate “in such a deal as a facilitator to snag an impact veteran (or two) as part of a multi-team trade structure.”
One such veteran could be New York Knicks swingman Mikal Bridges, according to Fischer and Stein, and the Knicks may be interested in Holiday as a way to help lure Antetokounmpo to New York.