Warriors Desperate for Giannis Trade Now

Merlin sees the league on edge as teams push for a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade by the Feb. 5 deadline. The obvious suitors are Golden State, New York, Miami, Minnesota and, suddenly, Portland. The Blazers' late "entering the chat" is notable because they control Milwaukee's 2028, 2029 and 2030 first rounders, so they win whether Giannis stays or goes. Merlin notes the pecking order of urgency. Miami can wait thanks to cap flexibility and free agency plans. Minnesota and New York are close but would need heavy roster surgery to make a competitive offer. Golden State is the most desperate, stuck on Stephen Curry's shrinking window and facing a possible rapid rebuild if they miss. Portland can afford to be patient and still profit if Milwaukee falters.