As Giannis Antetokounmpo’s uncertain future continues to dominate the NBA rumor mill, The Ringer’s Zach Lowe added more intrigue to the speculation — proposing a “semi-plausible” trade scenario involving the New York Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks.
On the Zach Lowe Show podcast with guest Ian Begley of SNY, Lowe explored a two-for-two blockbuster trade concept in the wake of ESPN’s Shams Charania reporting that the Knicks and Bucks had previously engaged in an “exclusive” round of trade talks in August. Those discussions never advanced beyond the exploratory phase, but the framework Lowe imagined reignited interest in a potential deal.
“Here’s where we get to semi-plausibility,” Lowe said. “KAT [Karl-Anthony Towns] and [OG] Anunoby for Giannis and [Kyle] Kuzma. I’d have to add some salary, but this is a salary that didn’t really work out for us — we’re cool moving on from [Kuzma]. That works [in ESPN’s trade machine].”
The mock trade pairs Antetokounmpo and Kuzma heading to New York in exchange for Towns and Anunoby, giving both teams a mix of star power and roster flexibility.
Why Lowe Thinks It Works
Lowe acknowledged the idea remains purely theoretical but said it was at least “worth talking about.”
Kuzma’s contract, which is a reasonable throw-in, with the veteran forward’s declining deal — $22.4 million this season and $20.4 million next season — after he was traded to Milwaukee for Khris Middleton, could interest the Knicks with the optionality to further reshape the roster around a Jalen Brunson-Antetokounmpo dynamic tandem.
Lowe argued that an Antetokounmpo-Towns swap would solve the Knicks’ fundamental issue — the defensive liability of the Brunson-Towns combo in the postseason.
“That one at least is worth talking about, I think,” Lowe said. “Again, this is all theoretical. Nothing is happening right now.”
Begley agreed, emphasizing the Bucks’ perspective in such a deal.
“You’re going to want to add a player that you want to get off of or would be comfortable getting off of — that gives you a little bit more financial freedom,” Begley said. “And why would you do that if it’s Myles Turner, a guy you just acquired? So, that to me makes a little bit more sense if we’re talking about the Knicks, including all their draft capital in a deal like that. I think that could get you at least a few conversations, a few phone calls — it’s not a one-and-done there.”
Knicks’ Potential Lineup Shake-Up
Under Lowe’s scenario, the Knicks’ new starting lineup would feature Towns alongside Antetokounmpo, Brunson, and Mitchell Robinson — with the fifth spot likely going to Josh Hart or Miles McBride. Lowe favored Hart for his defensive versatility but noted that spacing could become an issue with Hart, Antetokounmpo, and Robinson sharing the floor. Begley countered that McBride might be a better fit to balance the offense.
Off the bench, the Knicks would still boast depth with Kuzma, Jordan Clarkson, Guerschon Yabusele, and Ariel Hukporti, maintaining a strong second unit even after sending out Anunoby.
Giannis Keeps Everyone Guessing
While the trade talks between Milwaukee and New York fizzled before gaining traction, Antetokounmpo’s latest remarks did little to quiet speculation about his future.
“First of all, I haven’t read that story,” Antetokounmpo said after 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. We’re here to do something special. All the other extra stuff does not matter.”
Then came the line that caught the league’s attention.
“I’ve communicated with my teammates and the people I respect that the moment I step on this court, the rest does not matter,” Antetokounmpo continued. “I’m locked in. Now, if in six or 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.”
Whether those words signal commitment or caution remains unclear. But for analysts like Lowe — and for front offices across the NBA — the door to a potential Giannis sweepstakes remains slightly ajar.
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