Golden State Warriors Remain Second to Knicks in Superstar Trade Rumors
At 2-1 on the season, the Golden State Warriors have no reason to panic. In fact, they should be feeling pretty good about their chances. Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Jonathan Kuminga are playing well, and the Warriors look like a real threat.
However, it’s a long season, and injuries are unpredictable. The Warriors have been linked to some high-level trade targets, although one reigns supreme.
If the Warriors could add Giannis Antetokounmpo, even at the expense of Draymond Green, they would emerge as title frontrunners. Of course, the Milwaukee Bucks have made it clear that they aren’t willing to deal him, and Giannis hasn’t demanded a trade.
If Antetokounmpo does ask out, the Warriors can offer a high-level package to the Bucks for him. However, the New York Knicks remain the frontrunner.
GettyMILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 13: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors talk after a game at Fiserv Forum on January 13, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Antetokounmpo Prefers Knicks Over Warriors
A star-studded trio of Butler, Curry, and Antetokounmpo would be the best in the league, and the Greek Freak would surpass Kevin Durant as Curry’s best-ever teammate.
In fact, Giannis would be a better player than even Curry, thanks to his two-way talents.
On paper, the fit between Antetokounmpo and the Warriors seems perfect. However, there’s not always fire where there’s smoke. The Knicks remain Antetokounmpo’s preferred landing spot in a possible trade.
“Good relationship, friendly,” said Sam Amick of Curry and Antetokounmpo. “Steph has the same agency as Giannis, but that’s not the type of smoke you might have thought, as far as, you know, that being something that was kind of percolating in the background.
The Knicks would likely have to give up OG Anunoby in a deal, as well as other salary-balancers. For now, the Knicks seem content with their current roster. As the season slogs on, that could change.
Golden State Warriors Can Offer More for Giannis
If the Knicks want Giannis, that doesn’t mean they will get him.
Antetokounmpo is making $54.1 million this season. Balancing the salaries would be hard enough, and finding the draft capital to land a player of his stature would be nearly impossible.
The Knicks can’t trade a single first-round pick without attaching various protections and swaps. On top of that, they lack high-value young players. The Warriors, on the other hand, boast six first-rounders that can be traded outright or swapped. Throw in Kuminga, Moses Moody, and/or Brandin Podziemski, and you have the basis for a reasonable trade.
It wouldn’t be the first time that the Warriors swung a surprise deal. Last season, Butler listed the Phoenix Suns as his preferred landing spot. The Warriors traded for him anyway, offered him an extension, and he has quickly changed his tune.
With Antetokounmpo, the Warriors could pull off a similar deal before the deadline, beating out the Knicks.
Jawaan Taylor's Remarkable Turnaround Positions Him as Chiefs’ Key Offensive Asset
Kansas City Chiefs right tackle Jawaan Taylor has become a topic of conversation across the league after a stellar performance in his last four games. Once plagued by penalties and inconsistent play, Taylor has emerged as a reliable force on the offensive line, keeping Patrick Mahomes upright and the offense moving forward. Over this stretch, Taylor has allowed zero sacks, zero quarterback hits, and no penalties, while conceding only four pressures.
Taylor's turnaround is particularly impressive given his previous struggles. In 2024, he led the league in penalties, totaling 16 infractions for 115 yards. His play during the first game of the 2025 season raised concerns, with four penalties committed in just three quarters. However, his recent streak shows significant improvement, drawing praise from both coaches and teammates.
“I’ve been working hard to make sure I’m more disciplined this year,” Taylor said, reflecting on his recent performances. “I know I’ve got to be the guy who protects Patrick and makes sure the offense has time to execute. It’s been a process, but I’m feeling confident in my game right now.”
Head coach Andy Reid has also acknowledged Taylor's progress, noting, “When he doesn’t have the penalties, his percentages have been good. You could argue he’s one of the better tackles in his pass protection game.”
Teammates have also noticed the improvement. “Jawaan’s been a monster out there lately,”
Taylor’s resurgence has played a key role in stabilizing the Chiefs' offensive line, once a point of concern for the team. With his improved performance, Mahomes has had more time in the pocket, and the running game has seen better results as well. Taylor’s strong play has helped keep the Chiefs' offense balanced and dynamic, positioning them for another potential Super Bowl run.
“I just want to be a guy the team can count on,” Taylor added. “I know how important my role is, and I’m focused on doing whatever it takes to help us win.”
If Taylor continues this level of play, he could become a foundational piece for the Chiefs' offensive line for years to come, solidifying his place as one of the league's top right tackles.
