While the New York Knicks were once at the center of the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes, their exclusive window to negotiate a blockbuster trade for the two-time MVP has officially closed, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Knicks’ Exclusive Shot at Giannis Expires
On ESPN’s NBA Today on Tuesday, Charania confirmed that the short-lived “exclusive negotiating window” between the Milwaukee Bucks and Knicks is over.
“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.”
Earlier in the day, Charania had reported that the Knicks and Bucks engaged in exploratory trade talks after Antetokounmpo identified New York as his preferred destination outside Milwaukee. However, the discussions never advanced beyond the preliminary stage.
Conflicting Views on Failed Talks
Charania detailed how both sides walked away from those August talks with vastly different interpretations.
“The Bucks insisted to the Knicks that they preferred not to move Antetokounmpo,” he 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 superstar.
Knicks’ Diminished Assets and Timing Issues
New York’s trade flexibility has also weakened following an aggressive offseason last year. After landing Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks sent out six first-round picks along with Julius Randle, and Donte DiVincenzo, leaving their draft capital thin.
The Knicks now hold just one first-round pick, three potential pick swaps, and eight second-rounders. Their payroll is dominated by Jalen Brunson, Towns, OG Anunoby, and Bridges, making it nearly impossible to acquire a max-contract player without dismantling their new core.
Complicating matters further, Bridges cannot be traded until February 1, six months after signing a four-year, $150 million extension with a trade kicker. By the time he becomes eligible, the rest of the league will likely have entered the race for Giannis.
Giannis Focused on Winning a Second Ring
Despite the offseason drama, Antetokounmpo remains committed — for now — to Milwaukee’s pursuit of another championship.
“I want to be on a team that allows me and gives me a chance to win a championship,” he said during Bucks media day on Sept. 29, where he appeared remotely after testing positive for COVID-19. “It’s a disservice to basketball to not want to compete at a high level.”
The Bucks have been bounced in the first round for three straight seasons, but Antetokounmpo insists his motivation hasn’t waned.
“I’ve accomplished everything I’ve put my mind to, but I want more,” he said last week. “Legacy is what matters — being remembered as one of the all-time greats. You have to play to win. I don’t play to just be around or get paid.”
Knicks Miss Their Moment
For the Knicks, the closing of their exclusive negotiating window represents both a missed opportunity and a turning point. With Antetokounmpo’s camp now expected to engage multiple teams if trade discussions reopen, New York’s clear shot at a generational superstar is gone.
If the Bucks stumble out of the gate, Giannis could still explore his options — but this time, the Knicks will no longer have the inside track.
In the end, New York’s bold moves may have strengthened its present but cost it its best chance at the future.
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