Report: Warriors willing to make major bid for Giannis

The Golden State Warriors want Giannis Antetokounmpo in the Bay Area - even if he can't play right away.

The Warriors informed the Milwaukee Bucks this past week that Antetokounmpo's latest calf strain and potential recovery timetable won't stop them from submitting a substantial trade offer for the two-time MVP, sources told ESPN's Anthony Slater.

Golden State reportedly expressed firm interest in acquiring the superstar forward. However, Antetokounmpo is extension eligible this offseason, which gives him some control over where the Bucks trade him, and it's unclear if he'd be willing to sign a long-term deal with the Warriors.

Now in his 13th season, Antetokounmpo reportedly recently signaled to Milwaukee that he's ready to be traded. The Bucks have reportedly started listening after receiving aggressive proposals for the nine-time All-Star. Along with the Warriors, the New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Miami Heat are expected to be in the running for Antetokounmpo, ESPN's Shams Charania reported Wednesday.

Steve Kerr's squad is in need of significant reinforcements after six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler tore the ACL in his right knee earlier in January. The 36-year-old will miss the rest of the season and likely a sizable portion of the 2026-27 campaign - the final season of his contract with Golden State.

The Warriors were previously looking to offload fifth-year wing Jonathan Kuminga. Although that desire apparently dissipated following Butler's injury, the Bucks showed interest in Kuminga last summer, Slater reports. Kuminga's $22.5-million salary makes him a likely inclusion in any deal for Antetokounmpo, who's earning $54.1 million this season.