Giannis Antetokounmpo is sticking with the Bucks for now, but his long-term future remains uncertain.
If the superstar center were to leave Milwaukee, his top choice reportedly could be the Knicks.
According to ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania, Antetokounmpo’s representation discussed with the two-time MVP what teams he could covet should he decide to leave Milwaukee, and only one team came to mind: the Knicks.
Per Charania, the Bucks and Knicks even had discussions about a potential trade back in August, though there was never much traction on that front. New York reportedly didn’t believe Milwaukee was very motivated to move their face of the franchise, while the Bucks didn’t sense too aggressive of a push from the Knicks in terms of putting together a trade package.
Charania reported that the talks went on for weeks, and was basically an “exclusive negotiating window” for the Knicks.
Of course, getting Antetokounmpo to New York would take a lot of roster and salary cap manuevering from Leon Rose and company. The Knicks parted with most of their first-round picks to acquire Mikal Bridges, who they just signed to a $150 million contract extension. Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby are still on the books with big contracts as well, though any could be potentially moved if the Knicks want to go all in on Antetokounmpo.
The 30-year-old and nine-time All-Star is under contract with the Bucks through the 2026-27 season, but if he doesn’t believe the Bucks are getting any closer to a championship, he could become more aggressive in vocalizing his desire to be moved, and it seems like the Knicks would be his top choice.