Giannis Antetokounmpo-Knicks Rumors: What a Trade Could Mean for the NBA Landscape
New York, NY — After a summer filled with speculation, the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors may finally be gaining some clarity. According to a new report from ESPN, the two-time MVP considered a potential move this offseason—and his top destination was none other than the New York Knicks.
Though no deal came to fruition and Giannis remains with the Milwaukee Bucks, the revelation that he was open to relocation—and had a specific team in mind—marks a major shift in a saga that has loomed over the NBA for more than a year. With two years left on his current contract, and extension eligibility opening next summer, the clock is officially ticking in Milwaukee.
So, what does this mean for the Bucks, the Knicks, and the league at large?
Knicks in a Tight Spot After Aggressive Offseason Moves
Timing, it seems, was not on the Knicks’ side. Just months ago, New York emptied the asset chest to acquire Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges—trading away six first-round picks, a pick swap, and core players Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo.
The trade propelled the Knicks to the Eastern Conference Finals and sparked real championship hopes. But in doing so, it significantly reduced the team’s ability to pivot toward another superstar like Antetokounmpo. The Knicks now hold limited immediate draft capital, and much of their roster value is tied up in expensive veteran contracts.
Their only currently tradable first-round pick—a 2026 Wizards pick—is heavily protected and unlikely to convey. However, next summer, the Knicks’ 2033 first-round pick becomes available, and swap rights on their 2032 selection may also come into play. The question is whether that package, paired with high-cost veterans, will be enough to convince Milwaukee.
Milwaukee’s Dilemma: Contend or Rebuild?
From the Bucks’ perspective, trading Giannis would mean entering a full-scale rebuild. The issue? Milwaukee doesn’t control its own draft picks until 2031 due to past trades, making a teardown risky unless significant future assets are returned.
Veteran players like Bridges or Towns may not interest Milwaukee unless they can be flipped for draft capital. But those contracts—expensive and with performance concerns—may be more burden than benefit. Meanwhile, Antetokounmpo’s desire to win another championship is unlikely to be fulfilled by the Bucks’ current roster.
Their acquisition of Myles Turner and the failed Kyle Kuzma experiment haven’t improved the team’s outlook. With Damian Lillard gone and no replacement of his caliber on the roster, Milwaukee’s window may already be closing.
The Brunson Factor: Would New York Cross the Line?
Here’s where things get tricky: If a bidding war breaks out, would the Knicks consider parting with Jalen Brunson?
Brunson, the heart of this Knicks resurgence, is more than just a star guard. He’s family—literally. Knicks president Leon Rose is his godfather. Trading him would alienate the fanbase and potentially dismantle the team’s current chemistry.
Still, Milwaukee would likely demand Brunson in any serious negotiations. And while the Knicks would surely resist, other teams—like Houston or San Antonio—might not hesitate to offer their brightest young stars.
Leverage, Loyalty, and the Path to New York
Antetokounmpo, by all accounts, isn’t the type to force his way out with drama. But if his desire to join the Knicks remains strong, he may have to apply pressure.
His leverage grows next summer, when he’ll be one year away from free agency. Teams will be wary of giving up a king’s ransom for a potential one-year rental. That said, unlike Anthony Davis with the Lakers in 2019, Antetokounmpo can’t simply threaten to sign with New York in free agency—the Knicks have little cap flexibility.
But there is another card to play: Los Angeles.
The Lakers are projected to have max cap space in 2027. Antetokounmpo could steer the narrative by signaling he would bolt to L.A. if traded anywhere but New York. That alone could deter suitors and narrow his destination options.
Other Potential Suitors: Houston, San Antonio, Brooklyn
If the Bucks open the bidding next summer, several teams will be lining up:
- Houston Rockets: A wealth of draft picks, cap space, and young talent like Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr.
- San Antonio Spurs: Victor Wembanyama, cap flexibility, and endless picks make them perhaps the most dangerous contender.
- Brooklyn Nets: Armed with Knicks picks and clean books by 2027, the Nets could offer both assets and cap space.
The Lakers, Warriors, Clippers, and Heat all remain possible—but with drawbacks in aging rosters, draft capital limitations, or organizational chaos.
The Bucks’ Final Gamble
Milwaukee’s best hope is still to convince Antetokounmpo to stay. They have one shot at building a contender around him, and perhaps one more year to do it.
The Bucks can trade a 2031 or 2032 first-round pick—potentially their last asset of value—to bring in reinforcements. But if that gamble fails, they risk losing Antetokounmpo for pennies on the dollar, or worse, for nothing.
The franchise is at a crossroads. Keeping Giannis might require mortgaging their entire future. Letting him go might mean a decade of irrelevance. Neither option is comforting—but that’s the cost of building around a generational talent.
Final Word
Giannis Antetokounmpo is still a Milwaukee Buck—for now. But if Tuesday’s report is any indication, the sands are shifting. Whether he ultimately ends up in New York, Los Angeles, or somewhere unexpected, one thing is clear:
The battle for Giannis has begun.
And for the Knicks, this may be their last, best chance to bring a generational talent to Madison Square Garden.
