Giannis Sends Mixed Message After Knicks Trade Talks Collapse

After weeks of speculation and silence, Giannis Antetokounmpo has finally addressed the trade rumors that set New York Knicks fans buzzing — and while the Milwaukee Bucks superstar says he’s focused on the present, his words left the door slightly ajar for the future.

Speaking publicly for the first time since ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on exploratory trade talks between the Knicks and Bucks, Antetokounmpo neither confirmed nor denied that New York was on his radar. Instead, he struck a careful balance between loyalty to Milwaukee and acknowledgment that winning will ultimately guide his decisions.

“First of all, I haven’t read that story,” Antetokounmpo said after Wednesday’s practice. “When the season starts, I try to get off social media and focus on my craft and the team. But yeah, I’ve said this many times: I want to be in a situation where I can win — and right now, I’m here. I believe in this team, I believe in my teammates. We’re here to do something special. All the other extra stuff does not matter.”

Knicks’ Quiet Window Closes Without a Deal

The comment comes just 24 hours after Charania detailed how the Knicks and Bucks engaged in what was described as an “exclusive negotiating window” in August.

The discussions, however, fizzled out before gaining traction.

“The Bucks insisted to the Knicks that they preferred not to move Antetokounmpo,” Charania wrote. “But those in Milwaukee believe New York did not make a strong enough offer to continue even discussing a trade.”

According to Charania, the Knicks viewed Milwaukee’s stance as posturing, convinced the Bucks were never serious about moving their two-time MVP. New York, meanwhile, stood pat without the guarantee that such an opportunity would reopen later in the season.

Charania added a key update this week on NBA Today: the Knicks’ exclusive window has officially closed.

“That window is obviously shut,” Charania said. “We’re not in August anymore — we’re now in October. If things reopen during the season with this whole Giannis Antetokounmpo element, that window is no longer exclusive to the Knicks. Other NBA teams will enter the picture.”

Giannis Sends a Mixed Message

Antetokounmpo, 30, remains under contract with Milwaukee, but the team’s three consecutive first-round playoff exits have intensified speculation about his future. For now, he says he’s committed — but his comments carried a layer of nuance that New York fans will not overlook.

“I’ve communicated with my teammates and the people I respect that the moment I step on this court, the rest does not matter,” he said. “I’m locked in. Now, if in six or seven months I change my mind, I think that’s human too. You’re allowed to make any decision you want. But I’m locked in — to this team, to these guys, to this coaching staff, and to myself.”

That sounded less like a hard no and more like a pause — one that could stretch until February, when Mikal Bridges’ trade restriction lifts just four days before the trade deadline.

‘Temptation’ in the Offseason

Antetokounmpo also spoke candidly about the lure of outside interest, likening the offseason speculation to “temptation.”

“It’s like temptation,” he said. “You know, like when you’re at an amusement park and you’re not wearing your wedding ring, like me now, and people are looking at you. They’re looking at you like, ‘Oh, he’s kind of handsome. Oh, temptation.’”

He added that those overtures happen every offseason. “There are going to be people who approach me or my agents saying, ‘Hey, this is a possibility, that’s a possibility,’” he said. “But at the end of the day, I’m going to make a decision. My decision today is that I’m here and I’m committed to this team.”

For the Knicks, Antetokounmpo’s comments keep the dream alive — even faintly. The message from Milwaukee was clear: Giannis isn’t moving now. But the message from Giannis? Check back later.

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