All offseason, the Golden State Warriors have been searching for a way to put themselves back into title contention. After losing star guard Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks in free agency, the Warriors quickly managed to add some depth to the roster.
The team landed shooting guard Buddy Hield, point guard De’Anthony Melton, and veteran forward Kyle Anderson. Each provides the Warriors with shooting to negate the loss of Thompson.
But is it enough for the Warriors to contend in the loaded Western Conference? Has the front office done enough to build a title team around star guard Stephen Curry and Draymond Green?
One NBA legend doesn’t believe that they have and wants to see Golden State make an all-in type of move by going after Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Former NBA star Paul Pierce appeared on an episode of Kevin Garnett’s show KG Certified and discussed the Warriors.
“The only way I see Golden State getting back to where they need to get back to is if they can find a way to get Giannis over there,” Pierce said to his former Boston Celtics teammate Kevin Garnett on an episode of KG Certified.
It’s unlikely that the Bucks would allow Antetokounmpo to just leave but if things don’t work out for them this season, a trade could be explored. Milwaukee is entering its second season with Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard as star teammates but another early playoff exit could spell the end of that experiment.
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Antetokounmpo landing in Golden State wouldn’t instantly push the Warriors to the top of the NBA food chain. He would provide them with another star presence while helping to keep the winning window of the Curry years alive.
The physical nature of Antetokounmpo, combined with the shooting ability of Curry could make Golden State a nightmare to deal with. While each is a little older, especially Curry, this could be a lethal combination for the opposing teams to deal with.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 06: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors is guarded by Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half of their game at Chase Center on… Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
There has been some talk about the possibility of Curry leaving Golden State due to them not being a serious title team any longer. But Pierce also shot that idea down, noting that Curry is likely to be a member of the Warriors for life.
“He’s going down with that ship,” Pierce rebutted. “It’s all legacy. Everything right now, for him, is icing on the cake.”
The likelihood of Antetokounmpo teaming up with Curry in Golden State is low, but we can never say never. The NBA can be the Wild West at different times, and nothing is out of the question.