How Could Curry Team Up With Giannis? Salary Expert: Trading Butler or Draymond Needed to Match Cont

NBA salary expert and renowned reporter Bobby Marks stated that the Warriors can only acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo by trading away Jimmy Butler or Draymond Green. A former NBA player added that only Giannis can help Stephen Curry write the perfect final chapter of his career.

Discussing potential trade scenarios involving the Warriors and Giannis, Bobby Marks explained that if Golden State aims to pair Giannis with Curry (who will earn $59.6 million next season), they must part ways with either Butler ($54.1 million next season) or Green ($25.8 million next season) to match Giannis' $51.9 million contract.
"Here's the reality: You can't have Giannis while keeping the trio of Curry, Butler, and Green," Marks emphasized.

Former NBA player Jay Williams stated that if he were Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy, he would not hesitate to make such a move.
"Yep, Bobby," Williams said. "I'd say, 'Thank you for your service, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler. Thank you for being part of the team. Goodbye.'"
He added, "If you're the Warriors or Mike Dunleavy, you need to pursue a superstar. Giannis is a perfect fit for the Bay Area. I know Western Conference teams are tough, but imagine Curry and Giannis together—how dominant that duo would be. If there's a way for Curry to craft the perfect career finale, it's teaming up with Giannis."

Before this year's trade deadline, the Warriors acquired Butler through a multi-team blockbuster. Curry and Butler led the team through the play-in tournament and into the playoffs, pulling off a first-round "Black Seven" upset over the Rockets before falling 1-4 to the Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals. Curry's unexpected hamstring strain was a key factor in the Warriors' five-game exit.

While the Curry-Giannis pairing is undoubtedly intriguing, the Warriors lack the assets to convince the Bucks, making the acquisition extremely difficult. Additionally, if Giannis requests a trade, numerous teams across the league will pursue him.