The free agency of 2019 was one of the wildest ever! We saw players moving teams like it was musical chairs. One of those teams that took a hit in free agency was the Golden State Warriors. One of the first decisions was Kevin Durant moving east to join the Brooklyn Nets. We are just about a month out from the beginning of the season. Is there any more news that would be surprising regarding free agency?
Of course not! That is the beauty of September in the NBA. We aren’t even looking at next year’s free agency. We are looking at the 2021 offseason. According to sources, ESPN’s Ramona Shelbourne stated “the Warriors have always been a big threat to go after Giannis Antetokounmpo.” This wouldn’t be the first time the Warriors have wanted to make a big splash. They were hoping to keep Durant the season with the new Chase Center opening up.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Could Be a Golden State Warrior
Why He Wouldn’t Leave the Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks GM Jon Horst talked about Antetokounmpo’s contract in a Town Hall. A fan asked, “What is the situation with Giannis’ long term contract?” Horst replied, “We can’t talk or negotiate anything right now, but, will be eligible for a supermax [contract] extension at that time, and we will offer it to him at that time.”
Antetokounmpo has stated in the past his displeasure for the “superteam” way of basketball. The Bucks have two years to show him they can win there. It’s the unfortunate problem plaguing small market teams.
Why He Could Benefit With a Move to the Golden State Warriors
His game would go to another level. He already has great spacers in Brook Lopez and Khris Middleton, but having Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson would give him more of an open lane to play to his strengths. In a Warriors lineup, he would help them out with being their center and playing against other big men. Something the Warriors have struggled with since David Lee left the team. So what type of incentive do the Warriors give to him? He would be on a team that would give him the ultimate chance to win a ring.
How the Golden State Warriors Afford Him
The biggest question is, can the Warriors afford him? That salary cap will go up to reported $125 million.
NBA informed teams of a $125M salary cap in summer of 2021 — when LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Paul George are potential free agents. https://t.co/4Qa70hHyWF
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 16, 2019
The Warriors would have to find a different avenue to sign him. They are already projected over the cap that offseason, with a majority going to Curry, Thompson, and D’Angelo Russell. If Antetokounmpo shows his displeasure, like Anthony Davis, maybe they could acquire him via trade. If he doesn’t get moved, expect Russell to be moved to clear him off the books to clear space for him, or one of the other big free agents that year.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
