Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr Weighs in on Giannis Trade Talks and Porzingis Acquisition Amid Antetokounmpo's Withdrawal
In a rare public address, Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr spoke Saturday for the first time since the NBA trade deadline, discussing the team's pursuit of Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and their subsequent acquisition of Kristaps Porzingis.
Denying rumors that the team's efforts to secure Antetokounmpo prevented them from making other deals, Dunleavy expressed optimism about the Warriors' new pivot to acquire Porzingis. The team had traded Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to Atlanta in exchange for the Latvian big man, who has played only 17 games this season due to postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and left Achilles tendinitis.
Dunleavy downplayed concerns about Porzingis' health, stating that he was "excited" about the prospect of adding him to the team. Despite his injury history, Dunleavy expressed faith in the Warriors' medical staff and believes that Porzingis can make a meaningful contribution to the team's success.
On the other end of the trade, Golden State parted ways with Kuminga, who struggled to stay on the floor due to health issues. Dunleavy acknowledged the risks associated with trading for players with uncertain medical histories but emphasized that he was willing to take calculated chances to improve the team.
The biggest fallout from the trade deadline was reportedly Draymond Green being involved in trade talks for Antetokounmpo, although Dunleavy steadfastly denied that Green's name was ever seriously considered. However, on his podcast, Green revealed that when he spoke with Dunleavy ahead of the deadline, he had told him that if they were going to make a deal for Giannis, he or Jimmy Butler might need to be traded.
Dunleavy shot down this idea, stating that there was "no truth" to it and reiterating his commitment to Green's future with the team. The Warriors GM emphasized that nothing came close to making a trade for Antetokounmpo, dismissing rumors as "misleading."
Looking ahead to the summer, Dunleavy acknowledged that the Warriors are still hoping to add Antetokounmpo to their roster, joining a long list of teams vying for his services. When asked about expectations for this season, given Butler's injury and Porzingis' uncertain health, Dunleavy was tight-lipped, saying only that he is "interested" to see how the team performs.
Ultimately, Dunleavy made it clear that he would do whatever it takes to give Steph Curry another chance at a championship, even if that means making a big swing trade. The Warriors GM expressed confidence in the team's ability to make deals and build a winner, no matter what the cost.
In a rare public address, Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr spoke Saturday for the first time since the NBA trade deadline, discussing the team's pursuit of Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and their subsequent acquisition of Kristaps Porzingis.
Denying rumors that the team's efforts to secure Antetokounmpo prevented them from making other deals, Dunleavy expressed optimism about the Warriors' new pivot to acquire Porzingis. The team had traded Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to Atlanta in exchange for the Latvian big man, who has played only 17 games this season due to postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and left Achilles tendinitis.
Dunleavy downplayed concerns about Porzingis' health, stating that he was "excited" about the prospect of adding him to the team. Despite his injury history, Dunleavy expressed faith in the Warriors' medical staff and believes that Porzingis can make a meaningful contribution to the team's success.
On the other end of the trade, Golden State parted ways with Kuminga, who struggled to stay on the floor due to health issues. Dunleavy acknowledged the risks associated with trading for players with uncertain medical histories but emphasized that he was willing to take calculated chances to improve the team.
The biggest fallout from the trade deadline was reportedly Draymond Green being involved in trade talks for Antetokounmpo, although Dunleavy steadfastly denied that Green's name was ever seriously considered. However, on his podcast, Green revealed that when he spoke with Dunleavy ahead of the deadline, he had told him that if they were going to make a deal for Giannis, he or Jimmy Butler might need to be traded.
Dunleavy shot down this idea, stating that there was "no truth" to it and reiterating his commitment to Green's future with the team. The Warriors GM emphasized that nothing came close to making a trade for Antetokounmpo, dismissing rumors as "misleading."
Looking ahead to the summer, Dunleavy acknowledged that the Warriors are still hoping to add Antetokounmpo to their roster, joining a long list of teams vying for his services. When asked about expectations for this season, given Butler's injury and Porzingis' uncertain health, Dunleavy was tight-lipped, saying only that he is "interested" to see how the team performs.
Ultimately, Dunleavy made it clear that he would do whatever it takes to give Steph Curry another chance at a championship, even if that means making a big swing trade. The Warriors GM expressed confidence in the team's ability to make deals and build a winner, no matter what the cost.
I gotta say, the way they're going all in for Curry is kinda inspiring! They're not afraid to take risks, even if it means giving up some of their own talent 
. And honestly, I think adding Porzingis could be a game changer 
. Of course, his injury history is a concern, but Dunleavy seems confident in their medical staff and the team's ability to handle those risks 
. It'll be interesting to see how the season plays out with Butler injured and Porzingis uncertain 
. One thing's for sure, though - if anyone can make it happen, it's the Warriors 
!
! Dunleavy is being super chill about his health issues, but I'm low-key worried 
. The guy's played only 17 games this season and has multiple injuries, that's a huge risk for any team. And what about the rumors about Draymond Green being traded away? I don't think so 
! He's been a rock for the Warriors and Dunleavy's commitment to keeping him is music to my ears 
.
. The teams vying for him are endless, I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens in the summer 
!
i mean i get it, steph curry needs a superstar to carry him to another chip, but can't they just focus on developing their young talent instead of throwing caution to the wind?
. I mean, I get it, he's a superstar, but come on! They just traded Kuminga and Hield for Porzingis? 
That's some risk, you know? And now Draymond was even involved in talks, lol, like that ever happens! 
Anyway, Dunleavy seems cool with it all, just wants to win another chip for Steph. He's got balls, I'll give him that 
. But man, the Porzingis injury history is a major concern... 
Hopefully he can bounce back and not hold them back too much.
. only time will tell if he's made the right call 
so Dunleavy is saying that he's willing to take calculated chances on guys with sketchy medical histories... like Porzingis 
I'm sure it's just a coincidence that Kuminga was traded away after struggling with health issues too 
. And omg, the Warriors are still holding out hope for Giannis 
. And now the Warriors are trying to make a move for him again? It's like he's playing some kind of game with teams 
. Dunleavy seems confident that they can make it work, but let's be real, Giannis is a whole different beast to handle 
️.
. Dunleavy seems pretty clear-headed about his priorities, but you never know what's really going on behind the scenes 
. One thing's for sure, though – if the Warriors do end up getting Giannis, they'll be a force to be reckoned with