Giannis Antetokounmpo (Image Credits: Imagn)

Warriors Miss Out on Grizzlies’ Young Core While Chasing Giannis Antetokounmpo

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Kenny Nosay | Last updated Feb 6, 2026 12:40 AM ET

The Golden State Warriors went all-in in their pursuit of Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo days before Thursday’s deadline. But after realizing their quest would be futile, the team pivoted. They then shipped Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Hawks in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis.

Many Dubs fans lamented the trade. They all thought there was a legitimate pathway to get Giannis, despite the minuscule odds. Hypothetically, if their pursuit of the two-time league MVP ended positively, it would have immediately put the Warriors into title contention this season.

But due to focusing solely on Giannis, the Warriors missed their chance on other potential franchise-altering trades.

“The Warriors were talking to the Grizzlies about trading for Jaren Jackson Jr., but they stopped those talks to focus on Giannis Antetokounmpo,” per Ramona Shelburne.

The Warriors were talking to the Grizzlies about trading for Jaren Jackson Jr., but they stopped those talks to focus on Giannis Antetokounmpo, per @ramonashelburne pic.twitter.com/F7ICMialSx
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 5, 2026

Was there a chance that Golden State would have landed Jaren Jackson Jr? Definitely. They have the assets to do it. However, by putting all their eggs in one basket, they missed the opportunity to fill the other one.

Instead of getting the younger and much healthier Jackson, they now have to settle with the oft-injured Porzingis.

Bucks Were Not Serious About Trading Giannis

Giannis Antetokounmpo (Image Credits: Imagn)

It’s rare for a player like Giannis to become available in February. Most superstars get dealt in the offseason, where offers are much more profound. Probably wary of how the Lakers fleeced the Mavs in the Luka-AD trade, Milwaukee rightfully signaled to teams – albeit in a super late fashion – that they wouldn’t deal their star at the trade deadline.

The Bucks’ last-minute decision had the Warriors scrambling. While other teams pulled the plug early in their pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo, GSW questionably held on because they wanted to shoot for the moon and stars.

It may be a tough pill to swallow, but the Warriors’ dynasty is over. It has been for the last couple of years.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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