The San Antonio Spurs could find themselves in the thick of the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes after the Milwaukee Bucks superstar addressed the trade rumors linking him to the New York Knicks.
On Tuesday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Knicks and Bucks engaged in an “exclusive” round of trade discussions in August after Antetokounmpo identified New York as his preferred destination outside Milwaukee. Those conversations, however, never progressed beyond the exploratory stage.
“First of all, I haven’t read that story,” Antetokounmpo said following 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. I’m here to lead this team to wherever we can go. It’s definitely going to be hard, but I’m here. So all the other extra stuff does not matter.”
Giannis Leaves Door Open to Future Move
While Antetokounmpo reaffirmed his commitment to the Bucks for now, he stopped short of pledging long-term loyalty to Milwaukee — leaving open the possibility of revisiting his future later this season.
“I think I’ve communicated with my teammates and the people I respect that the moment I step on this court or in this facility, the rest does not matter,” he said. “I’m locked into whatever I have in front of me. Now, if in six, 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.”
Charania later confirmed that the Knicks’ “exclusive” negotiation window with Milwaukee has closed, potentially reopening the market to other franchises.
“That window is obviously shut,” Charania said on NBA Today. “We’re not in August anymore — we’re 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. I expect it to go beyond just New York.”
Spurs Positioned for a Run
Among the teams best positioned to make a run are the San Antonio Spurs. ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks identified San Antonio — along with the Houston Rockets — as one of the few organizations capable of assembling a package strong enough to entice Milwaukee if Antetokounmpo were ever made available.
“Well, San Antonio still does even after acquiring De’Aaron Fox,” Marks said Tuesday on NBA Today. “They still have tradable picks to go out. Remember, they have that Atlanta pick, they have a swap in 2027, and they still have tradable contracts when you’re looking at players like Devin Vassell.”
Cap Flexibility Gives Spurs Edge
Salary-cap expert Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron newsletter also noted that the Spurs’ unique combination of draft capital and cap flexibility makes them a “formidable dark horse.”
“The Spurs are well below the first apron, so they can use the 125% expanded trade exception to acquire Antetokounmpo,” Gozlan wrote. “They’d only need to send out $43.1 million to acquire his $54.1 million salary. Players like Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes, and Keldon Johnson could help make up that amount.”
The Spurs can trade up to four first-round picks — in 2026, 2028, 2030, and 2032 — plus several pick swaps with Boston and the better of Dallas or Minnesota. That arsenal, combined with a roster full of flexible contracts, gives general manager Brian Wright more optionality than most teams in the league.
Fox Factor and Future Outlook
San Antonio’s recent acquisition of All-Star guard De’Aaron Fox further boosts its long-term appeal. While Fox’s new contract extension prevents him from being traded until February, his presence provides both leverage and intrigue: either as part of a future package or as a ready-made co-star should Antetokounmpo arrive in Texas.
For now, Antetokounmpo insists he’s committed to Milwaukee. But as the Bucks attempt to rebound from consecutive early playoff exits, the Spurs — armed with cap space, draft assets, and patience — could quietly position themselves as one of the league’s most credible landing spots if the two-time MVP ever decides it’s time to move on.
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