The Golden State Warriors enter the 2025 offseason facing a delicate balancing act. With restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga’s contract situation unresolved, the Warriors have hit a stalemate that has delayed several roster moves.

Yet, this hold-up is not just cautious management—it's a strategic maneuver. The Warriors are safeguarding their valuable assets, aiming to maintain flexibility in case Giannis Antetokounmpo becomes available through a trade.

While Antetokounmpo has not requested a trade, league insiders believe teams, including Golden State, must prepare for any sudden changes, especially as the two-time MVP remains an elite force capable of reshaping title-contender dynamics.

The Warriors’ stance is clear: they will not accept less than top value for Kuminga, seeking at least a first-round draft pick and a quality young player in any deal. This preservation of assets speaks directly to their readiness for a blockbuster move involving Antetokounmpo, who could significantly amplify their championship aspirations.

Giannis and the Warriors: A Potential Super-Team in the Making

The prospect of Giannis joining forces with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and recently acquired Jimmy Butler excites fans and analysts alike. Such a move would assemble one of the NBA’s most formidable lineups, melding championship experience, elite scoring, versatile defense, and unparalleled playmaking.

Reports suggest complex multi-team trade scenarios could send veterans like Draymond Green to other franchises to clear space and salary cap room for Giannis. Although intricate, these trades are not beyond the realm of possibility given the Warriors' aggressive approach to star acquisitions.

Yet the cornerstone of any deal hinges on Giannis’s own decision—at this point, he has shown no formal interest in leaving Milwaukee. That uncertainty fuels the Warriors’ cautious yet optimistic strategy, aiming to capitalize immediately if circumstances shift in their favor.

A Waiting Game with High Stakes

Golden State’s offseason moves, including their hesitation to finalize deals involving Kuminga or sign veteran free agents like Al Horford, underscore the premium they place on holding maximum leverage. The franchise is methodically preparing to strike for Giannis without compromising future flexibility or depth.

Meanwhile, Giannis’s status remains the primary unknown, with trade rumor cycles expected to persist until he clarifies his intentions, possibly as late as the December trade deadline or even next year’s season.

Should a trade materialize, it would mark one of the biggest NBA shakeups in recent memory, potentially ushering in a new era of dominance for the Warriors. Until then, Golden State continues to plan silently but assertively, ready to act the moment the door opens.