ESPN analyst Kevin Pelton sparked fresh debate this week with a complex trade construction that imagines a path for the New York Knicks to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo — but the proposal, as outlined, rests on one extreme scenario that could be the Milwaukee Bucks‘ biggest fear: Antetokounmpo demanding a trade — and naming the Knicks as his exclusive destination.
“Let’s be clear: The Knicks, after trading five first-round picks for Mikal Bridges last year, have no chance of landing Giannis if the Bucks open trade talks with multiple teams. New York has to hope Antetokounmpo pegs it as his desired destination,” Pelton wrote.
New York Knicks get:
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Jericho Sims
Bucks get:
Karl-Anthony Towns
Pacome Dadiet
Tyler Kolek
2026 first-round pick (top-eight protected, via Wizards; otherwise, second-round selections in 2026 and 2027)
2028 first-round swap (worse of Bucks or Trail Blazers for Knicks)
2030 first-round swap (worse of Bucks or Trail Blazers for Knicks)
2032 first-round swapNote: Trade cannot be completed until Dec. 15
Pelton’s proposal highlights not only the NBA’s escalating era of star power but also the reality that the Knicks’ current asset limitations make them non-competitive in a traditional bidding war. The only avenue where New York’s offer holds weight, Pelton acknowledges, is a scenario where Milwaukee has no marketplace — only a mandate.
Bucks Can Get More in Open Market
Towns forms the centerpiece — a former No. 1 pick and five-time All-Star — paired with future swap flexibility and a protected pick. But even Pelton notes this reflects the minimum, not the market value, Milwaukee would command if the Bucks opened dialogues with multiple teams.
In any scenario where Milwaukee controls the process, teams richer in picks and younger blue-chip talent — such as Oklahoma City, Orlando, New Orleans or San Antonio — would dwarf New York’s offerings.
Shams: Giannis and Agent Began Conversations With Bucks’ Front Office
Pelton’s proposal gained traction not in a vacuum but amid renewed reporting from ESPN’s Shams Charania, who wrote that Antetokounmpo and agent Alex Saratsis recently began formal conversations with Milwaukee’s front office regarding his long-term future.
Charania added that a resolution is expected “in the coming weeks,” signaling that Antetokounmpo is at least weighing his options — including the possibility of a trade request.
Charania had previously reported in October that New York emerged as the only preferred destination discussed internally outside of Milwaukee last summer, though no deal progressed during their exclusive negotiation window.
Injury Scare Magnifies Uncertainty, but Team Tone Doesn’t Change
Three minutes into Wednesday night’s win over the Detroit Pistons, Antetokounmpo suffered a noncontact injury, falling backward while trying to get back on defense and immediately grabbing at his lower right leg. He was helped off the floor, walked gingerly, and exited to the locker room.
Immediate Achilles concerns were dismissed after a preliminary MRI, according to head coach Doc Rivers, who emphasized postgame that the injury was not believed to be catastrophic.
The Bucks — 9–8 with Antetokounmpo this season and just 1–5 without him, with the worst offensive rating in the NBA when he sits — face the final 11 games, including seven on the road, needing their cornerstone available to stabilize a turbulent stretch.
Antetokounmpo had missed four games last month with a groin strain but had played in the Bucks’ past three before the Pistons matchup.
Rivers Pushes Back Hard Against Trade Rumors
Ahead of Wednesday’s game and before the injury scare unfolded, Rivers addressed the renewed speculation:
“Giannis has never asked to be traded. Ever. I can’t make that more clear,” Rivers said. “Listen, the reason this is out is because we’re not playing well. … Now this is the subject matter. It’s no more true than it was this summer.”
From the Bucks’ standpoint, New York only becomes relevant when Antetokounmpo demands a trade and New York is the only option. Until or unless Antetokounmpo dictates that future — and both Rivers and the team insist he hasn’t — Pelton’s proposal sits where it originated:
On paper, not at the negotiating table. But it is also a stark warning of what might come.
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