🚨 WARRIORS PUSH TO LAND GIANNIS BEFORE FEBRUARY 5 TRADE DEADLINE: Can They Block the Lakers’ Path? 👇
The Golden State Warriors are in full-on trade mode as they make a final push to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo before the February 5 deadline. However, the pressure is on to complete the deal quickly, or risk losing out to rival teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, who could emerge as a major player in the 2026 offseason if they miss out on Giannis now.
Warriors’ Urgency: Beat the Lakers to Giannis

While the Warriors remain one of the top suitors for Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Lakers are lurking in the background, hoping to capitalize if the Bucks decide to wait until the offseason to trade their superstar. Giannis, a 2x MVP, could form an iconic duo with Luka Dončić in Los Angeles, a prospect the Warriors do not want to see come to fruition, especially within the same division.
The Lakers, despite currently lacking the draft capital to outbid the Warriors, could be in a much stronger position by the summer. If Giannis is still available at that point, Los Angeles will have more flexibility to put together a competitive package. However, insiders, including Lakers’ analyst Anthony Irwin, have reported that the Lakers feel they are being undervalued in the Giannis sweepstakes, especially if the trade doesn’t materialize by the deadline.
Irwin stated:
“They feel like they should be considered real players for Giannis THIS SUMMER if he isn’t traded by the deadline.”
Warriors’ Leverage: A Strong Trade Package for Giannis
The Golden State Warriors hold critical leverage heading into the deadline. Their potential offer for Giannis includes four first-round picks and pick swaps, with future picks—especially those in 2030 and beyond—holding significant value, as Stephen Curry will likely be retired by that time.
The Warriors are in a prime position to offer a competitive package to the Milwaukee Bucks, ensuring they don’t risk losing Giannis to the Lakers or another contender. For Golden State, acquiring Giannis would be a game-changing move, not only strengthening their roster but also putting a roadblock in front of the Lakers’ future ambitions.
The Challenge of a 3- or 4-Team Deal
While teams like the Miami Heat, New York Knicks, and Minnesota Timberwolves have been linked to Giannis, the lack of draft capital from those teams makes them unlikely to pull off a trade without a more complicated 3- or 4-team deal. These deals are challenging to execute in the tight timeline leading up to the deadline, giving Golden State a clear advantage if they can execute a trade swiftly.
The Bucks’ Dilemma: Moving Giannis Now vs. Summer Leverage

The Milwaukee Bucks face a tough decision. Moving Giannis Antetokounmpo now would likely require Golden State’s impressive offer, but the risk of waiting until the summer is clear: Giannis will be on an expiring contract and will have much more control over where he ends up. This scenario opens the door for teams like the Knicks, Lakers, or others to jump into the fray, potentially driving up the asking price.
If the Bucks do hold out until the summer, they could find themselves in a bidding war, but Giannis’ power over his destination might diminish their return in terms of draft picks and players, as other teams will know that Giannis could be selective about his next team.
The Stakes: Warriors vs. Lakers
For the Golden State Warriors, acquiring Giannis would add another superstar to their roster, creating an unstoppable tandem with Stephen Curry. Not only would this enhance their chances of a championship run, but it would also effectively block the Lakers’ path to landing Giannis in the offseason, a victory on multiple fronts for Golden State.
With the 2026 NBA trade deadline fast approaching, the Warriors are making their final push to secure Giannis Antetokounmpo and position themselves as the team to beat in the West. A deal before the deadline would not only improve their roster but also strategically prevent the Lakers from making a play for the superstar in the future.
Looking Ahead: Will the Warriors Seal the Deal?
The Golden State Warriors are ready to act fast, but whether they can pull off a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade by the February 5 deadline remains to be seen. The Lakers, Heat, and other teams are watching closely, but the Warriors’ draft capital and future flexibility could give them the edge.
Stay tuned as the 2026 NBA trade deadline draws near. Will the Warriors land Giannis and lock down a future dynasty? Or will the Lakers rise to challenge them for his services in the offseason? The stakes couldn’t be higher for Golden State’s championship ambitions.