As the league continues to speculate about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s long-term future with the Milwaukee Bucks, The Ringer’s Zach Lowe has once again stirred the conversation — this time, by revisiting a blockbuster trade scenario that could directly affect the Bucks’ championship outlook.
On his The Zach Lowe Show podcast, Lowe and guest Ian Begley of SNY explored how the New York Knicks could alter their earlier framework in a potential pursuit of Antetokounmpo, following reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania that the Bucks and Knicks engaged in exploratory talks back in August.
A ‘Semi-Plausible’ Scenario Becomes More Complex
Lowe’s original hypothetical sent Antetokounmpo and forward Kyle Kuzma to the Knicks in exchange for Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby. But in his updated scenario, he suggested Mikal Bridges could replace Anunoby — a move that would only become possible in February once Bridges becomes trade eligible.
“The last one is this: just when Bridges becomes trade eligible, it’s KAT plus Bridges for Giannis and Kuzma, with Bridges sliding into Anunoby’s spot,” Lowe said. “I’m trying to imagine that roster, and to me it’s better than the one with Anunoby going out. I trust Anunoby’s outside shooting more than Bridges’, but Bridges has a little more on-ball juice. Maybe that gets maximized under Mike Brown.”
Lowe emphasized that the idea remains strictly theoretical, but argued it’s at least “worth talking about,” particularly because Antetokounmpo would address one of the Knicks’ biggest defensive flaws.
Why It Matters for the Bucks
For the Bucks, the idea of a trade package centered around Towns and Bridges could represent one of the stronger returns in any potential Giannis sweepstakes. Both are under long-term contracts, are in their primes, and would give Milwaukee a combination of size, scoring, and defensive versatility to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference. After all, they have no incentive to rebuild as they do not have control of their first-round picks until 2031.
“I just think the upside of having a top-five player in the NBA, who’s elite — well, he’s slipped a little defensively, but he’s still very, very good — and who solves your one structural flaw of Brunson-KAT being huntable on defense… it’s significant,” Lowe said. “The more I thought about it, the more I felt you at least need to do a deep dive on this.”
Charania previously reported that the Knicks’ exclusive negotiating window with the Bucks has expired, meaning Milwaukee would be free to engage other teams if the situation evolves.
“That window is obviously shut,” Charania said on NBA Today. “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.”
Giannis’ Robust Market
If Antetokounmpo ever requests a trade, Milwaukee is expected to have no shortage of suitors. Lowe named the Atlanta Hawks, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors and both Los Angeles teams as franchises that could challenge New York in any future negotiations.
For now, the Bucks are focused on the upcoming season — and on keeping their two-time MVP happy. But as Lowe’s latest “semi-plausible” trade idea shows, the NBA world continues to prepare for any scenario involving Milwaukee’s franchise cornerstone.
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