Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks Discussed Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade
The Milwaukee Bucks and New York Knicks discussed a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, according to NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN.
The Knicks were the only team Antetokounmpo was open to getting traded to this offseason.
“Ever since the NBA draft combine in mid-May, Alex Saratsis, an Octagon managing director and Antetokounmpo’s U.S.-based representative, has fielded rampant interest in Antetokounmpo and conducted serious due diligence on best possible outside fits should the star and his reps push to be traded from the Bucks,” Charania wrote. “Several teams were discussed internally, but one emerged as the only place Antetokounmpo wanted to play outside of Milwaukee: the New York Knicks, multiple sources with direct knowledge of the situation told ESPN.
“The Bucks picked up the Knicks’ call on Antetokounmpo, and the sides engaged in conversations for a window of time in August, league sources said, but the teams never got traction on a deal.”
Milwaukee general manager Jon Horst was very busy this offseason. He waived and stretched Damian Lillard, signed Myles Turner, Gary Harris, Amir Coffey, Cole Anthony and Thanasis Antetokounmpo and re-signed Bobby Portis, Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince and Jericho Sims.
The Bucks lost to the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the 2025 playoffs in five games. Indiana also beat Milwaukee in the first round of the 2024 playoffs in six games.
Giannis Antetokounmpo guided the Bucks to the 2021 championship against the Phoenix Suns in six games. Since then, Milwaukee has won only one playoff series.
One of the greatest players in NBA history, Giannis Antetokounmpo is a two-time MVP, a one-time Finals MVP, a one-time Defensive Player of the Year and a nine-time All-Star. The Greek Freak has career averages of 23.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.2 blocks with the Bucks.
Giannis Antetokounmpo finished third in MVP voting last season. He averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.2 blocks while shooting 60.1% from the field and made the All-NBA First Team.
The Bucks will only trade Giannis Antetokounmpo if he requests a trade. Giannis will make $54.1 million this season. He has a player option worth $62.8 million for the 2027-28 season.
Latest NBA News & Rumors
- NBA Rumors: Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum Could Return In March
- NBA Rumors: Sacramento Kings Expected To Pursue Trade For Golden State Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga During Season
- NBA News: Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James Opens Up About Love Of Basketball As Year 23 Begins
- NBA News: Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum Opens Up About Achilles Tear
