Knicks’ Giannis Trade Offer Lacked Strength, NY Believed Bucks Weren’t Committed
The New York Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks Discuss Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade: What to Know
The New York Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks recently engaged in trade discussions surrounding superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, but several challenges thwarted a potential deal. These talks began in August and have drawn considerable attention from NBA enthusiasts.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Trade Preferences Revealed
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Knicks emerged as the only team that Giannis was willing to consider for a trade during the offseason. This situation initiated a prolonged negotiation process between the two franchises, encapsulating weeks of deliberation.
Bucks’ Hesitation on Giannis Trade Offer
Despite the Knicks’ interest, the Bucks deemed the offer insufficient and maintained a strong stance against trading their two-time NBA MVP. Reports indicated that the Bucks prioritized keeping Giannis on the roster, as they felt he could have reservations about the team’s competitive viability moving forward.
Giannis Expresses Concerns about Team Competitiveness
While Giannis did not formally request a trade, he did communicate to Bucks general manager Jon Horst that he harbored “serious questions” regarding the franchise’s capability to contend for another championship. As a result, it appears Giannis could potentially explore trade opportunities if the Bucks do not display improvement during the upcoming season.
Bucks’ Offseason Moves Aim to Support Giannis
The Bucks have been proactive in the offseason, aiming to assemble a roster capable of making deeper playoff runs. Key decisions included:
- Retaining essential players like Bobby Portis and Taurean Prince.
- Waving injured guard Damian Lillard.
- Signing experienced center Myles Turner from the Indiana Pacers.
Although concerns remain whether these changes can elevate the Bucks, especially after a third consecutive early playoff exit last season, management is optimistic. They believe the challenges faced by other contending teams may enhance their chances this season.
Impact of Injuries on Eastern Conference Rivals
Recent injuries to notable players such as Tyrese Haliburton of the Pacers and Jayson Tatum of the Celtics could reshape the Eastern Conference landscape. Haliburton has been ruled out for the entire 2025-26 season due to a torn Achilles, while Tatum’s playing status remains uncertain.
Potential Trade Interest from the Knicks
With the anticipated decline of the Pacers and Celtics, the Knicks, featuring a promising core including Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson, are emerging as strong contenders. However, determining whether a trade for a superstar like Giannis would enhance their chances of making a run at the NBA Finals is under scrutiny.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Elite Performance Continues
At nearly 31, Giannis remains a dominant force in the league, having achieved consistent All-Star status over the past nine seasons and averaging over 30 points and 11 rebounds per game in recent years. Given his accomplishments, including leading the Bucks to a championship in 2021, the organization’s desire to retain him is clear. Ultimately, the future of this franchise may hinge on Giannis’ satisfaction with their trajectory moving forward.
