Dubs in-depth: Warriors have best assets for Giannis trade, according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne

The NBA’s silly season is officially underway. Rumors are already flying about what teams will do during the offseason, and most of the talk will center around back-to-back NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Antetokounmpo can sign a supermax with the Milwaukee Bucks this offseason, and until he does, the questions surrounding his future will remain. The 25-year-old has said he wants to stay in Milwaukee, but as we know, a day can make a massive difference in the NBA.

ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne joined 95.7 The Game and was asked about which team could put together the best trade package to make a run at Antetokounmpo if he chooses not to re-sign, and her answer should bring music to the ears of Golden State Warriors fans (h/t NBC Bay Area’s Drew Shiller):

“For two years, we’ve heard the drumbeat of the Warriors with Giannis, If he doesn’t sign the extension (this offseason), Milwaukee’s got a decision to make.

Can you risk it? Can you play it out with him (next season) and just hope he re-signs with you (after next season), or do you have to look to move him? And which teams would have the best package?

From where I’m sitting guys, that’s the Warriors. They have the best package. People get so upset when I say that, but they do. They have the trade exception, they have (Andrew) Wiggins, they have this year’s pick (No. 2 overall), they have next year’s Minnesota pick (top-three protected in 2021, unprotected in 2022).

Maybe you even have to talk about Klay Thompson or Draymond (Green) being in a package like that, too. But they have a great package if it comes down to it.”

There’s no doubt that the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 2021 pick makes the Dubs’ package attractive, especially if the Bucks hit the reset button if Antetokounmpo elects to leave. Wiggins’ contract might be hard for Milwaukee to swallow, but if the Bucks counteroffer with Klay Thompson, it would be difficult for Golden State’s general manager Bob Myers to accept.

The Antetokounmpo to the Warriors chatter will not stop until he re-signs with the Bucks. If he doesn’t commit once the league’s offseason officially commences, expect a flurry of rumors to start making the rounds, especially with the Miami Heat expected to make a serious push for Antetokounmpo’s services.

On to some links:

Golden State holds the No. 2 pick and it’s not secret the Dubs need a big man, but don’t expect them to use the selection on a center. The SF Chronicle’s Connor Letourneau says sources are telling him that the Warriors will pursue a 5 in free agency. (h/t CBS Sports)

This year’s free agency class features some attractive options at center and Golden State could make a run at one of them. The Athletic’s Shams Charania says the Dubs are interested in signing Lakers big man Dwight Howard. (SF Gate)

A couple of former Warriors will also be available this offseason. NBC Bay Area’s Monte Poole examines if Alec Burks or Glenn Robinson III would be a better fit with the team next season.

Matt Barnes had a couple of stints with the Dubs. Golden State’s head coach Steve Kerr joined the All the Smoke Podcast and shares a great story from Barnes’ time with the team in 2017. (NBC Bay Area)

The Los Angeles Lakers are the early favorite to repeat as NBA champions next season. But, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith says the Warriors will have something to say about it. (The Spun)