The Golden State Warriors have their eyes set on some pretty big free-agent targets.
As per reporter Sam Amick, the Warriors are aiming to land former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo through a trade at some point. They also have their eyes on Jimmy Butler as an option next year when his contract expires.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has long been a target of the Golden State Warriors, with the franchise attempting to court him ahead of his presumed free agency in 2021. However, Antetokounmpo would sign an extension with the franchise during the 2020-21 season, ahead of their NBA championship win.
However, in recent years, the Bucks’ inability to replicate their championship success has found Antetokounmpo lost in the shuffle, despite being one of the greatest players in the history of the game.
Giannis has always made it clear to the team that his priority is winning championships, and he will consider leaving if they don’t put him in the position to do that.
Antetokounmpo had made some vague comments about looking at his options last year, which led to the Bucks trading for Damian Lillard.
The move seemed to earn the confidence of Giannis, who agreed to sign a three-year, $175 million extension with the Bucks last season.
Their season ended in disappointment, with them getting knocked out of the first round of the playoffs by the Indiana Pacers after the Bucks struggled with injuries to Giannis and other key stars.
The upcoming season will be crucial for the Bucks, as they look to make the most of their All-Star duo and win another championship.
Another failure in the playoffs could lead to a disgruntled Giannis demanding out, and the Warriors using their assets to pull off a blockbuster trade.
After missing out on several star trades during the offseason, the Warriors are ready to pounce on the next available star. And Giannis is perhaps one of the few NBA players worth breaking the bank over.
However, if the Warriors do not want to mortgage their future, which they most definitely would have to in order to land Giannis, they could target Jimmy Butler in free agency.
Butler is in the final year of his contract with the Miami Heat, and there haven’t been contract talks between the two sides over a new deal yet.
Butler turns 36 next year and will be in the final years of his ability to perform at the highest level. He might be looking for a big payday, and will perhaps play some of his best basketball in some time to earn what would surely be the last major contract of his career.
Last season, Butler averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists, which isn’t at the level you would expect from a player of his caliber.
The Warriors should be vary of signing Butler, as he isn’t the best performer during the regular season.
Considering the Warriors’ recent inconsistency during the regular season, they need a player who can allow them to rack up more wins and secure a high seed.
While Butler is perhaps the best playoff riser in the NBA, that might not be enough for the Warriors to find championship success.
