Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Dance: Warriors Lead

Giannis Antetokounmpo is at the center of growing trade chatter as the Bucks have begun to listen ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst named the Warriors as the club most able to pull off a straight deal, saying "Primarily because they control all of their trade assets," while Shams Charania called Golden State, Miami, New York and Minnesota "serious suitors." Milwaukee is 18-27 and would likely seek draft picks and young players in any swap for its superstar. Merlin sees a high-stakes market. Golden State can offer picks and Brandin Podziemski, Miami and Minnesota can package young talent, and New York may move veterans to compete now. A move would remake the playoff map, and Giannis’ calf, with the AP saying he could return in four to six weeks, tightens the clock.