A blockbuster three-team NBA trade proposal sending Giannis Antetokounmpo to the New York Knicks this offseason has been created.
In a column called “The Perfect 2026 Offseason Trade for Every NBA Team,” Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report created the following trade proposal:
New York Knicks Receive: PF Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: PF Zion Williamson, F Herb Jones, 2026 first-round pick (via Knicks, projected No. 26 overall), 2033 first-round pick (via Knicks, unprotected)
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: F/C Karl-Anthony Towns
“The Knicks-Antetokounmpo chatter will likely continue this summer, especially if New York falls short of a championship,” Swartz wrote. “Two additional first-round picks will open up for the Knicks to offer in a potential trade, giving the Bucks some more motivation to listen. Adding Antetokounmpo to a core of Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart is tantalizing.
“The Pelicans get a floor-spacing center and six-time All-Star to pair alongside Derik Queen in the frontcourt and the Bucks receive multiple first-round picks, Williamson and Jones.”
This NBA trade proposal pairs Antetokounmpo with Brunson, Anunoby, Bridges and Hart in New York. That’s a championship-level core right there.
The Knicks and Antetokounmpo have mutual interest, sources told Dallas Hoops Journal. Since Antetokounmpo doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract, though, he can’t force his way to New York.
The Bucks never felt urgency to trade Antetokounmpo at this year’s NBA trade deadline, but Antetokounmpo and Milwaukee are expected to discuss their future again in the offseason. After all, the Bucks won the 2021 championship against the Phoenix Suns but have lost in the first round of the playoffs for three consecutive years. Antetokounmpo has grown tired of losing.
One of the greatest players in NBA history, Antetokounmpo has a player option worth $62.8 million for the 2027-28 season. The Bucks can offer Antetokounmpo an extension in October.
It will be fascinating to see if Antetokounmpo remains with Milwaukee or finally gets traded this offseason. If he wants to win another championship, Antetokounmpo has to leave the Bucks, who are nowhere near close to competing for a title.
A future Hall of Famer, Antetokounmpo will make $58.5 million next season.
