Warriors facing major obstacle in potential Giannis Antetokounmpo pursuit

Warriors facing major obstacle in potential Giannis Antetokounmpo pursuit originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Golden State Warriors have some serious interest in trading for 10-time All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Warriors have expressed how they would love to add Antetokounmpo to their roster, and while that is the case, actually getting to do so can be extremely difficult.

One of the major reasons for that is that they are financially handcuffed. In ESPN Bobby Marks' latest column, he explained the challenge the Warriors face in trading for the Greek Freak.

"Golden State would be hard-pressed to cobble together enough matching salary and still have flexibility in adding to the roster. Because of the lack of sizable contracts beyond Curry and Jimmy Butler III, Draymond Green and his $27.7 million salary would be required to make any Giannis deal work. Curry, Butler and Green constitute 79% of the Warriors' payroll next season, leaving six players (, , , ,  and ) each earning less than $13 million. Green, Horford and Melton have player options and can't be traded unless they opt-in to their contracts."