The New York Knicks reportedly made “a real offer” for Giannis Antetokounmpo this past offseason, but “like” their current team, which is off to a 14-7 start.
Per SNY’s Ian Begley, the Knicks don’t feel compelled to aggressively pursue the two-time MVP unless he asks the Milwaukee Bucks to deal him specifically to the Big Apple.
“From New York’s perspective, number one, it would take a lot to get Giannis to New York,” Begley reported from Madison Square Garden on Wednesday.
“It would take Giannis really forcing the issue in Milwaukee by using his leverage via his contract extension, or it could take Milwaukee working with Giannis on the way out — which seems less likely.”
“From a Knicks perspective, they like their team right now,” added Begley. “They like where they’re at 20-plus games in. They’re excited about what they’ve seen so far.”
Knicks Made ‘Real Offer’ for Giannis
The Knicks beat writer added that the Knicks made a “real offer” for the 2021 NBA Finals MVP over the offseason, but the talks went nowhere as the Bucks were only testing the waters, and not serious about moving their longtime franchise star.
“Knicks did make a real offer for Giannis over the summer,” he said. “Now, let’s see how this plays out over the next few weeks.”
Begley added that “not much has changed” with the Knicks on the Antetokounmpo front, even after ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Wednesday that the “Greek Freak” and Bucks are holding “active talks” on his future with the franchise.
Giannis to Knicks Buzz
“Giannis Antetokounmpo and his agent, Alex Saratsis, are having conversations with the Milwaukee Bucks about the two-time NBA MVP’s future — and discussing whether his best fit is staying or a move elsewhere, sources told ESPN on Wednesday,” Charania wrote in a blockbuster report on Wednesday.
“A resolution to these talks is expected in the coming weeks, sources said, which will shape whether Antetokounmpo is available ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline.”
Charania also reported over the summer that the Knicks had an “exclusive negotiating window” with the Bucks in a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade after the Greek star specifically expressed interest in a move to New York.
It’s worth noting that the Knicks will no longer have such an advantage this time around, with nearly every team in the league expected to make offers.
“Sources described it as an exclusive negotiating window for the Knicks over a multiweek period in August, but that will not be the case moving forward,” Charania reported on Wednesday.
“Multiple other teams would be expected to emerge as suitors for the nine-time All-Star if trades are explored.”
The landscape of the NBA could drastically shift if the Knicks or any other team pull off a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade before the Feb. 5 deadline. Last year, another generational star, Luka Doncic, switched teams midway through the season.
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