Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo Named Possible Warriors' Targets

The Golden State Warriors have options this summer
Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo Named Possible Warriors' Targets
Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo Named Possible Warriors' Targets /

Essentially staying put at this year's trade deadline, the Golden State Warriors did not bring in another star to pair alongside Steph Curry, but that doesn't mean they have given up on the possibility of doing so.

In a recent article from Sam Amick, Jovan Buha, and Anthony Slater of The Athletic, Golden State's current situation was assessed, with reporting about how they view the present and future of this roster.

"That doesn’t mean it won’t be revisited in the summer," The Athletic wrote on the recent report from ESPN that Golden State contacted the Lakers about a possible LeBron James trade. "The Warriors’ lead decision-makers still believe Curry’s longevity gives them a couple more seasons of possible contention if the roster around him is up to it. If there’s a path to LeBron, Giannis Antetokounmpo (their dream scenario), impending free agent Paul George or a reunion with Kevin Durant, they will explore it."

According to this report, the Warriors see Antetokounmpo as their dream scenario, with Durant and George being options they will explore if the opportunity presents itself. What was interesting about this report from The Athletic, was it included a potential alternate route for Golden State that wouldn't require such an unlikely - and expensive trade.

"But, as a Warriors source reiterated in the lead-up to the deadline, sometimes 'it can be simpler to develop a star wing than acquire one that isn’t available.' Cheaper and more rewarding, also," The Athletic wrote.

This is where the emergence of Jonathan Kuminga becomes something to watch. If Kuminga continues on his current trajectory, and grows into a consistent second option next to Curry, the Warriors may not have to make a big splash this summer to keep their window open.

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Joey Linn
JOEY LINN

Title: Credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation Email: joeylinn52@gmail.com Education: Communication Studies degree from Biola University Location: Los Angeles, California Expertise: NBA analysis and reporting Experience: Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time across multiple platforms, primarily serving as a credentialed Clippers beat writer.