Giannis to Golden State is in play if the Bucks fall short this season:
"You thought Durant and the Warriors were good? Giannis, Steph, Draymond and Klay. No thank you… That is a 5-year dynasty." — @ColinCowherd pic.twitter.com/HtLN6nKdcj
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) February 26, 2020
Why did the Warriors trade for Andrew Wiggins?
It’s a question many have asked, especially considering his $30-plus million annual cap hit through the 2022-23 season. The Warriors say he’s a better fit than D’Angelo Russell (true) and that he’ll fit in well alongside Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green (less certain) and of course that doing the deal decreased Joe Lacob’s luxury tax bill next offseason. Knowing Bob Myers, however, there may be a longer-term play.
That’s what Colin Cowherd of Fox Sports said on Wednesday, parroting a “rumor” that Wiggins has been acquired as a trade chip to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason. Cowherd claims that the “Greek Freak” who is out of a contract after next season, is going to ask for a trade if the Bucks don’t win the title this season. Because Giannis is due over $27 million next season, the Warriors would need a big salary like Wiggins’ to execute a deal. They’d also likely package their top three draft pick as part of the deal.
While this is the first we’re hearing about this specific plan, the Warriors-Giannis rumors have been floating around since even before Durant left last offseason.
Having a plan to acquire arguably the best player in the NBA and actually doing it are two different things, but knowing Golden State’s track record, Wiggins being part of a longer term play for another superstar doesn’t seem all that farfetched.