Giannis Antetokounmpo once privately viewed the New York Knicks as his preferred landing spot during the offseason before trade talks with the Milwaukee Bucks stalled, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported in October.
With the Bucks sputtering to a disappointing start and the two-time MVP now reassessing his future, the Knicks have once again surfaced in national discussion as a potential — and perhaps only — preferred trade destination if Antetokounmpo forces Milwaukee’s hand.
The latest and perhaps most ambitious trade idea comes from ESPN’s Kevin Pelton, who outlined a deal that could only materialize if Antetokounmpo makes clear he wants to join the Knicks and is unwilling to entertain alternative suitors.
Proposed Knicks–Bucks Blockbuster Trade Framework
Pelton’s proposed scenario involves a seismic exchange centered on star power and long-term draft control:
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
While Towns, a five-time All-Star and former No. 1 pick, offers pedigree, Pelton acknowledged the gap between his résumé and Antetokounmpo’s championship standing.
“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,” Pelton wrote. “New York has to hope Antetokounmpo pegs it as his desired destination.”
The Knicks are severely limited in outgoing first-rounders due to the Bridges trade — restricted to swaps and a single protected pick from Washington. If Milwaukee chooses to compete without Giannis, New York could supply talent with Towns and one more veteran player. But if they choose to enter a full rebuild, the Knicks could help facilitate a three-team structure involving Towns and additional picks.
Giannis Meets with Bucks Front Office as Knicks Rumors Resurface
The speculation intensified Wednesday after Charania reported that Antetokounmpo and agent Alex Saratsis have opened formal discussions with Bucks leadership about the franchise’s direction amid a 9–13 start and internal uncertainty.
“A resolution is expected in the coming weeks,” Charania wrote on X, adding that Giannis is “seriously weighing the possibility of a trade request.”
That same evening, Antetokounmpo suffered a calf strain expected to sideline him two to four weeks, according to Charania — just as trade speculation reached a boiling point. Milwaukee responded by rallying to defeat the first-place Detroit Pistons 113–109, but the win did little to douse speculation about the superstar’s future.
Knicks Previously Voiced Concern Over Depth Loss in a Giannis Trade
Talks did occur in the offseason, per Charania, with New York emerging as Giannis’ lone preferred market outside Milwaukee. However, no proposal gained traction.
According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, the Knicks’ hesitation stemmed from concerns about gutting their depth in pursuit of a megastar deal.
“Team sources have made it clear that Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson was… untouchable,” Amick reported back in October. Other names — Towns, OG Anunoby, or Mitchell Robinson — surfaced during discussions.
That remains unchanged today.
SNY’s Ian Begley reported Wednesday that the organization is content with the current roster construction.
“From the Knicks’ perspective, they like their team right now,” Begley said. “They are excited about what they’ve seen so far.”
Towns Responds to Rumors with Dominant Performance
If trade talk unsettled Towns, he did not show it. The star forward delivered his best game of the season — 35 points, 18 rebounds and five assists — powering New York to a 119–104 win over the Charlotte Hornets.
The Knicks are winning, the Bucks are searching, and the NBA is watching:
If Giannis Antetokounmpo truly wants New York, the door — although narrow — is not closed.
The question remains whether Milwaukee will decide to walk through it.
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