Stephen Curry’s pull knows no bounds. The man is a worldwide star, with reach bigger than Bol Bol on the court. So when he calls, the world answers. Could he use that pull to bring Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Bay Area? There’s obviously more to it. But their off-court relationship could make this an even bigger possibility.
Gilbert Arenas seems to think so. When he was on All the Smoke, he spoke about Giannis’s appearance at Steph’s All-Star weekend party. “I read an article about Steph and Giannis having some kind of undercover, nice friendship. Like Giannis was the only outside Warrior that attended Steph’s all-star party last all-star [weekend]. There’s always been talks about him possibly going there,” said Arenas on the pod.
Stephen Curry hosted a party during the All-Star weekend, inviting the majority of the Warriors gang. This included Golden State owner Joe Lacob, Draymond Green, and Kevon Looney. But there was a standout guest – Giannis Antetokounmpo. But there’s more to it than just this hyperbole. According to Arenas, Golden State could look to continue their legacy with Giannis after the Chef’s eventual but imminent retirement.
Apr 4, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) warms up before the game against the Denver Nuggets at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
There’s precedence for coincidence. “I’m not reading into this too much. But if you were at the All-Star in the Warriors arena… they plastered players on the All-Star. The two players that were plastered in the Warriors square were Steph and Giannis. They were foreshadowing. I mean, if you’re San Francisco, I would hope you would be smart enough to kind of pamper to the guy you’re trying to steal away,” said Arenas on All the Smoke.
To be honest, Giannis has been linked to a host of franchises. Trade scenarios are being spit out by the minute. At the same time, there are recent developments that could negate any link with the Warriors.
Giannis’ preference for staying in the East negates links to the Warriors
Brandon Robinson of Scoop B wrote this: “Multiple league sources tell me that if a trade were ever to materialize, Giannis Antetokounmpo would prefer to remain in the Eastern Conference. The reasoning? Strategic control. Player empowerment. Recruiting power. And a desire to shape the next phase of his career on his own terms.” So never mind just the Warriors – it seems like even the linked deals to the Rockets and the Mavericks might be off the table.
So, if it’s to be in the East, where is he likely to go? First on the list is Brooklyn. The Nets’ #12 seed in the West might fool you. But they have a wealth of assets ready to be deployed in the new post-Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving era. Living in New York will bring the media to their feet. On top of that, it gives Giannis a blank slate to do what he did at the Bucks – wake a sleeping giant and bring them long-awaited championship success.
But this could all be trumped by what the Toronto Raptors have to offer. Toronto notably hosted him for a pre-draft workout, and Masai Ujiri’s front office is known for its global thinking and developmental prowess. Unlike the Nets, they actually have championship pedigree, which is more like the Bucks than the Nets project. He could be the new Kawhi Leonard, cementing his Hall Of Fame status.
Feb 25, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) warms up before the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
A pre-existing relationship with a player like Stephen Curry would be a bit of a reach. Obviously, the money Warriors are ready to offer would be attractive to Giannis. But his willingness to stay in the East could bring the likes of Raptors and Nets into the trade convo. Where do you think the Greek will end up?
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