What is the best reward the Warriors could get from their 2020 pick? This is the question that has resonated for several months, and it could lead to a name: that of Giannis Antetokounmpo. An idyllic trade could indeed bring the Greek Freak to the Bay.
Since the departure of Kevin Durant last summer, and despite the long absences of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson on the 2019-20 season, the Warriors’ ambitions seem clear. The executives of the franchise appear indeed determined to bring back a new star in the franchise, and to reform a new trio of shock in the Bay Area.
At first, it was D’Angelo Russell who joined the ranks of the team, without ever being able to evolve simultaneously with the two Splash Brothers. After several weeks of observations and estimations about the fit between the three full-backs, the Dubs front office finally decided to part ways with D-Lo, and send him to Minnesota.
In return, it was Andrew Wiggins who served as the new big patch. Here again, the young talent did not have the opportunity to test himself alongside the two Golden State shooters, and did not necessarily impress over 12 games played under his new colors. From then on, Bob Myers and his assistants continue to monitor the market for their happiness.
For several months, rumors have reported that this happiness has a face: that of Giannis Antetokounmpo. For some observers, the trade with the Timberwolves would have a direct link with the franchise’s desire to welcome the reigning MVP. And their quest may well have taken a new turn on the night of Thursday to Friday.
Unlike in previous years, the Warriors were very attentive to the Lottery, since they had the best chance of recovering the 1st pick of the next Draft. In the end, they watched ironically D’Angelo Russell celebrate the Timberwolves’ 1st place draw, while they received the 2nd pick.
Read also | The Lottery has delivered its verdict, the top 10 of the Draft revealed!
All in all, a satisfactory result for Golden State, especially in a year where no prospect emerges in its cuvée. Given the value of this pick, it could therefore constitute an asset of choice in a trade. You see us coming: he could, in the event of a big failure of the Bucks during the playoffs, convince them to give up their star in exchange for other assets.
In this context, it suffices to imagine which players could accompany this choice to meet Milwaukee’s demands. Fadeaway World has already looked into the file, and arrived at the following exchange:
- Bucks receive: Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green, Eric Paschall and the 2020 Warriors draft pick
- The Warriors receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ersan Ilyasova, George Hill and DJ Wilson.
Whether in terms of wages, or equity, such a blockbuster trade can be considered.
Once again, this one would require a sacred combination of circumstances to see the light of day. For example, the Bucks would have to come out in the first round of the playoffs against Orlando, which would certainly cause Giannis’ frustration. The latter could then consider leaving his cocoon, and join a suitor that would be Golden State. But all this remains for the moment very hypothetical and unlikely.
With their 2nd pick, the Warriors can believe in their ability to set up an interesting trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Now all they have to do is cross their fingers that the latter fails with his team, and wants to take off.
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