Giannis Antetokounmpo believed the possibility of a move to the New York Knicks was closer than publicly known during a period of offseason discussions between the two teams, according to new reporting that sheds additional light on negotiations that did not result in a trade.
NBA insider Jake Fischer wrote on The Stein Line this week that Antetokounmpo had indicated to at least one Bucks teammate that a trade to New York “was quite close to materializing.” The reported expectation did not come to pass, and Antetokounmpo remained with the Bucks entering the season.
“Multiple sources have insisted this week that Antetokounmpo, during the summer, told at least one Bucks teammate that he believed a trade to the Knicks was quite close to materializing,” Fischer reported. “Obviously, no such trade did, but the Knicks continue to be cited in any credible discussion about the Antetokounmpo landscape.”
The new details added a new layer of intrigue to the reporting from ESPN’s Shams Charania, who noted in October that the Knicks were the primary market discussed during a multi-week period of communication between the two organizations. No proposal advanced to the stage of serious consideration, and the Bucks did not indicate interest in moving their two-time NBA MVP.
Charania reported that the Bucks communicated they preferred not to entertain a trade, while some within Milwaukee believed the Knicks did not present a strong enough offer to keep the discussions active. New York, according to the report, maintained the perspective that Milwaukee was unwilling to engage in substantive terms.
Knicks Protected Core Players as Milwaukee Held Position
GettyKarl-Anthony Towns of the New York Knicks heads for the net as Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks defends in the first half at Madison Square Garden on November 08, 2024, in New York City.
Subsequent reporting from The Athletic’s Sam Amick indicated the Knicks maintained clear internal protections during the talks. All-NBA point guard Jalen Brunson was considered off limits, and additional concerns centered on the draft and roster cost required to pursue a megadeal for Antetokounmpo.
Frontcourt players Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson were the most plausible names floated in the discussions at various stages, according to Amick.
This week, SNY’s Ian Begley reported that the Knicks remain confident in their current roster configuration.
“From the Knicks’ perspective, they like their team right now,” Begley said. He added that New York “made a real offer” during the offseason window.
Future Speculation Reemerges as Bucks and Antetokounmpo Begin Internal Conversations
The renewed focus on Antetokounmpo’s future coincides with fresh internal discussions between the player, his agent Alex Saratsis, and Bucks leadership, as reported by Charania on Wednesday. Those conversations centered on organizational direction and expectations following a 9–13 start to the season.
“A resolution is expected in the coming weeks,” Charania wrote on X.
The same evening, Antetokounmpo sustained a calf strain projected to sideline him 2–4 weeks, according to Charania — an injury that arrives as the NBA calendar approaches its December 15 threshold, when most offseason signings become eligible for trades.
Bucks Continue to Emphasize Antetokounmpo Has Not Requested Trade
Before the injury, Bucks coach Doc Rivers addressed the external speculation, reiterating that Antetokounmpo has not asked for a trade and underscoring the organization’s focus on performance and health.
“Giannis has never asked to be traded. Ever. I can’t make that more clear,” Rivers said.
“The reason this is out is because we’re not playing well. … It’s no more true than it was this summer.”
While reports of conversations and past negotiations have resurfaced, the Bucks have maintained their position. Antetokounmpo remains under contract, and the organization continues to operate with its franchise star at the center of the roster and its plans. But does Antetokounmpo still believe his future lies in Milwaukee?
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