Mock Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Would Re-Ignite Warriors’ Dynasty
For the past few years, the Golden State Warriors‘ modus operandi has been to give Stephen Curry a shot at another NBA championship. Joe Lacob and Mike Dunleavy Jr. have done a solid job of constructing a roster that could do just that in the upcoming 2025-26
However, when you’re trying to reach the mountain top, keeping your ear to the trade market is a prerequisite. If a superstar suddenly becomes available, the Warriors would be wise to explore potential trade packages to bring them to the Bay Area — much like they did with
That’s where Giannis Antetokounmpo could come into the equation. The two-time MVP is reportedly unsettled with the Milwaukee Bucks, primarily due to their inability to put together a winning rotation in recent years. It’s for that reason that
The proposed trade looks like this:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks Get:
- Draymond Green
- Moses Moody
- Buddy Hield
- Brandin Podziemski
- Two first round picks
“Obviously, Draymond is the third rail here,” Moore wrote. “Steph Curry might never approve it. But also, if you’re the
Pairing Giannis and Curry would instantly position the Warriors near the top of the Western Conference. Butler would also still be on the roster, as would Al Horford. On paper, Golden State would become nearly unstoppable with Giannis drawing defenders into the paint.
Stephen A. Warns NBA Of Giannis to Warriors
During a recent episode of ESPN’s First Take, veteran anchor Stephen A. Smith warned that pairing Giannis and Curry would be a cheat code in the
“You want to talk about unfairness in the National Basketball Association, don’t let Giannis get to Golden State with Steph Curry,” Smith said on Oct. 9. “If that happens—oh, my Lord, it wouldn’t be fair to the basketball world for those two to be wearing the same uniform on the court, especially if you kept Draymond Green, who’s your point forward facilitator, who’s your Energizer Bunny, and who feeds Steph Curry better than anybody on the planet.”
“You want to talk about unfairness? … Don’t let Giannis get to Golden State with Steph Curry. If that happens… it wouldn’t be fair to the basketball world… [the Warriors] would coast to the [NBA] title.”
—Stephen A. Smith
(via @FirstTake)
On paper, Golden State would be the most seamless transition for Giannis. Their roster is already set up to maximize his skill set. Furthermore, if Milwaukee were put in a position to trade its star player, sending him out West would likely be favorable.
Warriors’ Young Talent Could Be Enticing
Getting both Green and Buddy Hield back in a trade package for Giannis would be less than ideal for the Bucks. If they move on from their superstar forward, they will likely be entering a rebuild. Therefore, the focus would be on getting back younger talent.
Fortunately, Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody are high-level young prospects. They both have a high upside and could be intriguing prospects for the Bucks. Milwaukee’s front office could also try to re-route Green and Heild in separate deals to maximize their return.
There is a chance the Bucks could get a better package elsewhere. However, Podziemski’s inclusion in the deal could give Milwaukee a solid building block for the future. And, if Giannis is drawn to the idea of life in San Francisco, there should be enough of a spine to Moore’s trade proposal that Milwaukee could be tempted to play ball.
Of course, this is all speculative. But if Giannis does become available, you can’t count out Golden State as a potential destination.
4 Players Who Stepped Into Their First Postseason Spotlight With The Cubs
The Chicago Cubs’ postseason run didn’t end with a trophy, but it did showcase the depth that carried them deep into October.
From unexpected bullpen heroes to fearless rookies at the plate, several Cubs stepped into the spotlight and made their mark during Chicago’s 2025 playoff campaign.
Below are the players who turned postseason pressure into defining career moments.
Michael Busch: Leadoff Power That Set the Tone
Michael Busch’s patient, powerful approach carried into October. His combination of discipline and early-count aggression gave Chicago needed momentum at the top of the order.
He opened Game 3 of the NLDS with a leadoff home run, his second of the series, becoming the first Cub to record multiple leadoff homers in a single postseason series.
Busch’s on-base skills helped spark several first-inning rallies, and his consistent production at the top of the lineup set the tone throughout October.
Pete Crow-Armstrong: Poise Beyond His Years
Rookie center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong made his first postseason one to remember. After driving in the go-ahead run in Chicago’s Wild Card series win over San Diego, he delivered again in Game 3 of the NLDS, lining a two-run single to center that helped extend the Cubs’ lead at Wrigley Field.
Offense aside, it was the 23-year-old’s elite defense and fearless approach that were on full display and set him apart, providing a glimpse into the energy and confidence fueling the next era of Cubs baseball.
Brad Keller: The Unexpected Stopper
Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Right-hander Brad Keller wasn’t projected to play a major postseason role, but his composure under pressure quickly changed that. In Game 3 against Milwaukee, Keller entered a bases-loaded jam in the eighth inning and escaped with a strikeout and groundout before finishing the ninth for a four-out save, his first career postseason save.
Keller’s steady presence became a cornerstone of Chicago’s bullpen, giving Counsell another key player to trust in the team's most significant moments.
Matthew Boyd: Redemption When It Mattered Most
Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Matthew Boyd’s postseason redemption arc was one of the most underrated stories of the Cubs’ run.
After a rough outing earlier in the NLDS, the veteran lefty rebounded in Game 4, tossing nearly five scoreless innings to help Chicago force a decisive Game 5. His fastball-slider mix was sharp, and his pace kept Milwaukee’s lineup off balance, which is a reminder of why Chicago took a chance on him at the trade deadline.
While Milwaukee ultimately advanced to the NLCS, Chicago’s postseason highlighted that the next wave of Cubs talent has arrived. The performances of Busch, Crow-Armstrong, Keller, and Boyd suggest the team’s future is already taking shape under pressure.
