The New York Knicks had a golden opportunity to reshape their franchise around a generational superstar — but their decision not to go all-in for Giannis Antetokounmpo may already be haunting them.
On Tuesday night, Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks handed the Knicks a 121-111 loss at Fiserv Forum, punctuated by another dominant two-way performance from the two-time MVP.
The defeat came just weeks after ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Knicks were granted an exclusive negotiation window with the Bucks in August — a window that has since closed without a deal.
Bridges Would Have Been in Potential Trade Package
There was a good chance Mikal Bridges would have been involved in New York’s trade discussions for Antetokounmpo had he not signed his four-year, $150 million contract extension on August 1.
That deal, while securing Bridges’ future in New York, also made him ineligible to be traded until February 1, effectively removing him from the Knicks’ summer trade arsenal.
When asked about the speculation before the game, Bridges kept his response measured.
“Nothing we can do… It’s whatever,” Bridges told reporters before Tuesday’s loss. “Do whatever I was doing. Just chilling.”
But there was nothing “chill” about what followed.
Antetokounmpo Outshines Knicks, Sends Message in Statement Win
In front of a delirious Milwaukee crowd, Antetokounmpo erupted for 37 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and two blocks, leading the Bucks’ 12-point comeback win.
One of the game’s defining moments came in the third quarter when the Greek Freak blocked Bridges’ layup attempt, sprinted downcourt and hammered home a dunk before pointing to himself and hyping up the crowd.
Bridges finished with 24 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, while Jalen Brunson fired 31 points — but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Knicks from suffering their second straight defeat.
Knicks’ Giannis Trade Window Closed — and May Not Reopen Soon
Charania clarified that the Knicks’ exclusive negotiation window with Milwaukee has now expired.
“That window is obviously shut,” Charania said on NBA Today on Oct. 7. “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.”
Charania previously reported that the Bucks rejected New York’s initial overtures, believing the Knicks didn’t make a “strong enough offer” to justify continuing talks.
The Knicks’ trade flexibility has since narrowed after acquiring Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, who was a major flop Tuesday night with only eight points on 2-of-12 shooting.
Roster Balance and Trade Restrictions Complicated the Giannis Pursuit
According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, the Knicks were concerned about “roster imbalance” that could come from trading too many pieces for Antetokounmpo.
“Team sources have made it clear that Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson was, as expected, untouchable in these talks,” Amick reported on Oct. 10. “In terms of possible players being involved, the common-sense lens turns toward Towns, [OG] Anunoby and [Mitchell] Robinson from there.”
Even if Milwaukee had entertained such a package, New York reportedly feared “losing too much balance” in a top-heavy roster.
Amick added, “As the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers showed in the Finals, depth and diversity of talent is the modern-day way to the mountaintop.”
A Painful What-If for the Knicks
For now, the Knicks are left wondering what might have been.
Antetokounmpo’s performance against the Knicks served as a painful reminder of the superstar who slipped through their grasp — and how the team that passed on him might now have to watch him dominate from afar.
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