Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo has finally addressed the swirling trade rumors linking him to the New York Knicks, breaking his silence after reports surfaced about failed trade talks between the Knicks and the Milwaukee Bucks.
Speaking to reporters for the first time since ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the discussions, Antetokounmpo neither confirmed nor denied the story — instead, he refocused attention on his commitment to Milwaukee while leaving a hint of uncertainty about the future.
“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.”
Inside the Reported Knicks-Bucks Talks
Charania reported Tuesday that the Knicks and Bucks engaged in preliminary trade conversations in August after Antetokounmpo identified New York as his preferred destination outside Milwaukee. However, the discussions never advanced past the exploratory phase.
According to Charania, both organizations left those talks with “vastly different interpretations.”
“The Bucks insisted to the Knicks that they preferred not to move Antetokounmpo,” Charania wrote. “But those in Milwaukee believe New York did not make a strong enough offer to continue even discussing a trade. It’s unclear how the Bucks would have responded to an all-out chase by the Knicks.”
From the Knicks’ perspective, Milwaukee never appeared serious about trading its franchise cornerstone — a sentiment that may have contributed to the talks stalling before they ever gained traction.
A Cloud Over Bucks’ Season
The rumors arrived at an uneasy time for the Bucks, who have endured three consecutive first-round playoff exits since winning the 2021 NBA title. Despite the uncertainty, Antetokounmpo reaffirmed his current loyalty to the team — while also acknowledging that his long-term future could evolve depending on how the season unfolds.
“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,” Antetokounmpo 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.”
By February, when the trade restriction on Knicks forward Mikal Bridges is lifted — just days before the Feb. 5 trade deadline — New York could revisit its pursuit. But Charania reported later Tuesday on NBA Today that the Knicks’ exclusive window to acquire Antetokounmpo has officially closed.
“That window is obviously shut,” Charania said. “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. Other NBA teams will enter the picture. I expect it to go beyond just New York.”
Giannis on Temptation and Commitment
Reflecting on the offseason speculation, Antetokounmpo compared the experience to facing temptation, using a vivid metaphor.
“It’s like temptation,” he said. “You know, like when you’re going through the amusement park or you’re outside and you’re not wearing your wedding ring, like me now, and people are looking at you. They’re looking at you like, ‘Oh, he’s kind of handsome. Oh, temptation.’”
He explained that outside influences and speculation are inevitable in the NBA landscape, especially for star players of his stature.
“From the end of the season until the next one begins, there are going to be people who approach me or my agents saying, ‘Hey, this is a possibility, that’s a possibility,’” he said. “But at the end of the day, ultimately, I’m going to make a decision. My decision today is that I’m here and I’m committed to this team.”
Perform Above Expectation or Succumb to Temptation
For now, Antetokounmpo’s focus remains on leading Milwaukee back to championship contention. Still, his comments — balanced between loyalty and realism — signal that the Bucks’ performance this season could determine the next chapter of his career.
If the team falters again, the “temptation” he described may prove too strong to resist.
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