Draymond Green For Giannis Antetokounmpo? NBA Insider Thinks It Can Happen

For what seems like forever, Giannis Antetokounmpo has been linked in trade speculations to the Golden State Warriors. While there are a number of possibilities other than the Greek Freak’s arrival in the Bay Area, one NBA insider thinks that the Warriors can make this deal happen if they’re willing to part ways with one of their pillars.

On his online show “Inside Notebook,” reporter Jake Fischer claimed that four-time NBA champion Draymond Green is not safe by any means in terms of his position with the Warriors. According to Fischer, it’s plausible that Green will end up as a trade chip in exchange for the disgruntled Bucks superstar.

“The only player I think in the league that Golden State would be willing to move Draymond Green for would be Giannis Antetokounmpo. That’s the only player,” Fischer said. “Between him and Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski, all of a sudden Golden State probably does have an intriguing package if you're Milwaukee.”

Fischer went on to bring up the name of another frequently mentioned Warrior who is supposedly on the trading block. “I don't think that they are going to be pushing Draymond's salary onto the table, or Jimmy Butler’s salary, for anyone short of him [Antetokounmpo],” he added.

Ironically, Green went on his own podcast just days ago to say that Antetokounmpo’s massive salary might be a hindrance to any trade talks that Milwaukee engages in. However, the combined salaries of Green, Kuminga, and Podziemski might just entice the Bucks, who would be getting a former Defensive Player of the Year and two young pieces in return.

As it stands, Antetokounmpo and the Bucks appear to be at a stalemate. With the two-time MVP recovering from a calf injury, teams haven’t seen much of him lately. Still, Antetokounmpo’s body of work over the course of his career (especially the last few seasons, in which he has averaged 30+ points per game) is enough to make any NBA squad think about securing his services.

Would the Warriors make Green part ways with his longtime teammate, Steph Curry, in order to build a new fearsome tandem in the Western Conference? That remains to be seen, as NBA teams have eight weeks left to ponder their moves before the trade deadline.