Giannis Antetokounmpo Shuts Down New York Knicks Trade Rumors After Offseason Speculation
Few storylines dominated the 2025 NBA offseason like the uncertainty surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Following Milwaukee’s first-round exit to the Indiana Pacers, speculation quickly ramped up that the two-time MVP could be eyeing an exit — with the New York Knicks emerging as the team most closely linked to his name.
The buzz around the league was loud enough that even as the regular season began, questions persisted about whether Antetokounmpo’s commitment to Milwaukee was wavering.
According to ESPN Senior Insider Shams Charania, the scenario came closer to reality than many fans realized.
New York Knicks’ Two-Week Window to Land Giannis Antetokounmpo
Appearing on Andrew Schulz’s FLAGRANT podcast, Charania said there was “a two-week period where the Knicks knew that Giannis knew he wanted to play there… conversations were had, offers were made… I don’t even think it got to the point where it was like, ‘make the best offers you have.’”
Charania didn’t specify what offers were discussed, suggesting the framework of a deal never reached an advanced stage. Still, the revelation reignited Knicks fans’ long-standing hopes of landing the “Greek Freak.”
Mock trade proposals involving OG Anunoby, Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns circulated on social media throughout the summer, each painting a different version of a potential Knicks superteam.
As things stand, New York sits at 2–3 after dropping its most recent game, while the Bucks have raced out to a 4–1 start following a win over the Golden State Warriors.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Reaffirms Commitment to the Milwaukee Bucks
Antetokounmpo addressed the trade chatter directly after Milwaukee’s 110–103 win over the Knicks — a game in which he scored 37 points.
“Right now, I’m here representing my team. And that’s it. We beat the Knicks. That’s all,” Antetokounmpo told reporters postgame. “Doesn’t really matter. What matters is we have a game in two days against Golden State, try to stay locked in and get two in a row. But I didn’t read that article. I try to stay away from all the rumors and speculation, trades and all this. It doesn’t concern me one bit.”
The victory held extra meaning for the Bucks star, who remembered being swept by New York last season.
“They were way better than us last year. And we didn’t make it tough for them,” Antetokounmpo said. “It was very easy, in my opinion. And as the leader of this team, I remember. I don’t forget things and I try to — from early at shootaround — set the tone for the team and try to remind them.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo has averaged 36.3 points, 14.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists in four games this season, leading Milwaukee’s push to reestablish itself as a championship contender.
Charania later noted that Antetokounmpo’s long-term future may still hinge on postseason success, adding: “We’ll see how they do this year, how they do in the playoffs. Next year, he’s going to be entering the last year of his deal, and everyone knows in the NBA that’s when you have the most leverage.”
For now, Antetokounmpo remains focused on Milwaukee — leaving Knicks fans to wonder what might have been if the talks had gone any further.
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