According to Jake Fischer and Marc Stein, the Golden State Warriors are making the aggressive plans to become frontrunners in the potential LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes this upcoming offseason.

This comes to no surprise given their recent injuries, their goals of remaining a championship-contending team, and giving Stephen Curry one last run in the NBA.

While it may sound like an impossible task to secure both players in the offseason; it isn’t as insane as it sounds due to the fact LeBron will be an unrestricted free agent on June 30th and Antetokounmpo’s situation with the Milwaukee Bucks continuing to be an up-and-down rollercoaster.

Both players have been linked to the Warriors since 2024’s NBA trade deadline. For this trade deadline, they are reportedly expected to not make any significant moves, as they feel as though their best chances of success will come during the offseason. This includes any potential Jimmy Butler trades.

Right now, LeBron’s future in the NBA is up in the air, in terms of where he will go next or if he is calling it quits after this season concludes. For Giannis, his situation in Milwaukee is very delicate, as reports seem to be changing on a week-by-week basis.

While both players have shown loyalty to their respective organizations, it has been made clear that they would be willing to leave, as it has almost happened in the past. For LeBron, most recently with the Warriors back in 2024. For Antetokounmpo, most recently this past offseason with the New York Knicks.

According to Steve Popper of Newsday, the New York Knicks are actively seeking out ways of becoming better as a team, especially when in the midst of a four-game losing streak and being 2-9 in their last eleven games.

With the trade deadline approaching rapidly, New York could become bold and trade starting pieces to try to kickstart their postseason run. One name that has been circulating around the National Basketball Association is Karl-Anthony Towns.

Reportedly, the Knicks have held conversations with the Orlando Magic, Memphis Grizzlies, and Charlotte Hornets on a potential Towns trade.

This isn’t the first time the 30-year-old has been connected to trade rumors/reports. Back in the summer, per ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Knicks were willing to trade Towns and other assets to the Milwaukee Bucks for Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Towns is set to make $53.1 million this season, with $57 million being paid to him next season. In 2027-28, the veteran will have a $61 million player option. On top of all this, this upcoming offseason, he will be eligible to sign an extension.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, confirmed by the Golden State Warriors, Jimmy Butler has suffered a season-ending torn right ACL. This was confirmed by MRI hours after the game.

Butler’s injury happened at the 7:41 mark of the third quarter when he jumped to grab an entry pass in the paint and collided with opponent Davion Mitchell. He was seen immediately falling to the ground, holding his knee in significant pain, which caused him to need help back to the locker room.

In February of 2025, Golden State traded for then Miami Heat’s Butler. They secured him to a two-year, $111 million contract extension. His style of play positively impacted the Warriors into being a playoff-contending team, as it reignited fans hopes of being able to see Golden State win another championship.

This season, while the team was facing ups and downs, Butler remained one of the consistent players. Being Stephen Curry’s “Robin,” Butler has been averaging 20.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists. During their 12-4 schedule run, Butler elevated his game and became an absolute force for the Warriors.

During the game against the Heat, before suffering the severe injury, the 36-year-old put up 17 points in 21 minutes.

It remains unclear the direction the Warriors front office will take with Butler being out and a trade deadline rapidly approaching. Clutch Points’ Brett Siegel says they may look into trading Butler to get off his contract in the hopes of regaining stability and creating that championship push.

Butler is set to make $54.1 million this season and $56.8 million next season. Next season is the final year of his deal.