The Golden State Warriors had a down 2019- 20 season, to say the least, with Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry out with injuries. Meanwhile, Kevin Durant decided to head to Brooklyn in a sign and trade. The Warriors agreed to send him, and a protected first-round draft pick to the Nets in exchange for D’Angelo Russell, Shabazz Napier, and Treveon Graham.
Russell didn’t stay in the Bay Area for very long as the Warriors would ship Russell to Minnesota. In exchange for Andrew Wiggins, a 2021 protected first-round pick, and a 2021 second-round pick. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski later reported that Jacob Evans and Omari Spellman would also be headed to the Timberwolves.
The Timberwolves and the Warriors will pick first and second in the upcoming draft after Minnesota beat Golden State out in the draft lottery. The Warriors are now weighing their options regarding the second overall pick.
Giannis Antetokounmpo will headline the 2020-21 free agency class; however, after the Bucks game five loss to the Heat, Antetokounmpo indicated he wouldn’t request a trade.
“It’s not happening. That’s not happening,” he said to Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes. “Some see a wall and go in [another direction]. I plow through it. We just have to get better as a team, individually and get right back at it next season.”
According to ESPN’s  ;Tim Bontemps, numerous sources “are adamant that the Bucks won’t trade” the 2019 league MVP if he doesn’t sign the supermax.
The Warriors have been a rumored destination for Giannis Antetokounmpo ever since Kevin Durant’s departure to the Nets. Looking at the Warriors trade assets, Would the second overall pick in the 2020 draft, the Timberwolves’ top-three protected 2021 first-rounder, two future unprotected first-round selections, and Draymond Green result in an agreement?
If you ask Ryen Russillo ‘ That’s a ‘hard no.’ “
“I love Draymond, I love his effort,” Ryen Russillo said on “The Bill Simmons Podcast.” “[But] the idea that he would be a No. 2 [offensive option] with Khris Middleton — I don’t like him as much in an offense without those guys [Steph Curry and Klay Thompson] running around in the backcourt.
“This draft stinks, [so] that’s a ‘no.’ That’s a ‘hard no.’ “
Andrew Wiggins was also in that scenario, but Russillo didn’t like the idea.
However, A package of Wiggins, this year’s second overall pick, and Minnesota’s top-three protected 2021 first-round pick and a couple of other players for salary cap purposes could land Damian Lillard.
A source close to the five-time All-Star shared that he would be interested in joining the Warriors.
The source also revealed that there was also a chance a few years ago for Lillard to join the Warriors and form a super team that would have featured Klay Thompson, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Lillard. Instead, the Warriors elected to sign Kevin Durant.
In August, former Suns coach and Lillard’s former teammate, Earl Watson, revealed that Dame Dolla turned down a chance to play with a super team before his last extension.
“Since @Dame_Lillard won’t say it, I will! Before Dame’s last extension he was approached to join a super team! He immediately called me & I’m assuming it’s because he respects me! I asked him, “what do you want to do”?! Cont…”
Lillard has been on the record stating that he is very comfortable In Portland, and the grass is not always greener on the other side.
“The grass ain’t always greener. For me, I feel like we can build something and get it done in Portland. I really believe that. I don’t just say it to say it.”
About the Author
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
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