The Golden State Warriors are left to watch this year's playoffs at home. However, if everything goes that way this summer, they could be back with a business next year.
Their lofty summer plans include a trade for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Warriors could be in the mix to land the two-time MVP, though acquiring him can prove costly. Any trade involving Giannis would have to include either Jimmy Butler or Draymond Green.
Golden State appears loathe to trade Butler even though he is 36 years old and coming off of an ACL tear. However, they appear willing to part ways with Green, who is a 14-year-old team veteran.
Assuming they are able to pull the trigger on a Giannis trade, what would the Warriors' projected starting five look like? Let's find out.
Predicting the Warriors' starting five if they land Giannis Antetokounmpo
In a hypothetical trade, the Warriors would send Butler and four first-round picks to the Bucks for Giannis. As far as a potential starting five, here's how it might look following a Giannis trade.
To save readers the suspense, no matter what, the Warriors will be starting Steph Curry at point guard next season. Meanwhile, they would likely start Brandin Podziemski at shooting guard and Moses Moody at small forward.
Power forward would feature Giannis Antetokounmpo, while Kristaps Porzingis would start at center. Green would be moved to the bench in this scenario, thus giving the Warriors four shooters around Giannis.
One shooter being the greatest shooter of all time, no less.
The Warrior's roster would be far better with Giannis Antetokounmpo
It's not exactly a controversial statement to say that Golden State would significantly improve with Giannis. Be that as it may, their roster would make much more sense with him considering they have superstars in Curry and Butler and a bunch of role players.
Trade Butler and picks for Giannis, and suddenly the middling Warriors look like world-beaters. They'd have enough shooting at four positions to offset Giannis' lack of spacing.
Golden State would have size with him and Porzingis and depth with Green and several decent role players holding down the bench. The big question would be whether they can compete with the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs.
It's a fair question. However, with two top 20 players, including Giannis, who is top 3, they should be able to go toe-to-toe with any team.
Add us as a preferred source on Google