The Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes are heating up as Thursday’s trade deadline approaches, but if you’re waiting for the Knicks to make a splash, you might want to temper those expectations. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Timberwolves and Heat are the ones putting in the legwork, while New York seems to be sitting this one out-for now.
Let’s break it down.
Who’s Actually in the Mix?
Windhorst, appearing on Get Up and First Take, painted a picture of a three-team race: Minnesota, Miami, and Golden State. And while the Warriors have the most draft capital to work with-up to four tradable first-round picks-the Heat and Timberwolves are making moves of their own to sweeten the pot.
Miami can only offer two first-round picks, but they’re actively exploring ways to build a more appealing package. Minnesota, meanwhile, is in a tougher spot.
Thanks to the Stepien Rule, they can’t trade any of their own first-rounders right now. That hasn’t stopped them from working the phones, though.
They’re reportedly trying to flip veterans into picks, and according to Windhorst, they’re much more aggressive than the Knicks, who haven’t been making those same calls.
“I don’t think the Knicks have what’s required on their roster to acquire Giannis,” Windhorst said on Get Up. “If they wanted to, they’d be out there trying to trade their current players for draft picks and young pieces that the Bucks would want-and they’re not.”
So, for now, New York’s off the board. That leaves Miami, Minnesota, and Golden State as the frontrunners-unless, of course, a mystery team jumps in late. And in NBA trade season, that’s always a possibility.
Where Does Milwaukee Stand?
While teams are jockeying for position, the Bucks aren’t showing their hand just yet. Windhorst made it clear: Milwaukee isn’t in a rush.
“I’m not seeing a lot of momentum toward Milwaukee making a Giannis move,” he said. “It is only Wednesday.
We have another day and a half. But I think Milwaukee is seriously considering staying put and pushing this off until summer.”
That sentiment was echoed again during Windhorst’s appearance on ESPN 710 Los Angeles, where he said he’s not feeling any “deal heat” at the moment. Translation: the Bucks are listening, but they’re not leaning toward pulling the trigger-at least not yet.
According to Windhorst, the final call comes down to ownership. “Giannis is ready to move.
These other teams are ready to move. There are ancillary pieces that teams are ready to move.
Is Bucks ownership-in the next 24 hours-going to say, ‘OK, let’s move on from him now’? If that answer ends up being yes, you’ll see this trade happen.”
Timberwolves Go All-In
Minnesota is pushing hard. According to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, the Wolves are canvassing the league in search of first-round picks to include in a deal.
The Bucks would reportedly love to get forward Jaden McDaniels as part of a package, but that alone won’t cut it. Without their own firsts to offer, Minnesota is exploring multi-team scenarios-potentially involving up to four franchises-to get something done.
And make no mistake, they’re willing to shake things up. One source told Mannix that outside of Anthony Edwards, “practically everyone” on the roster is up for discussion. That’s the kind of urgency you bring when you believe you’re one piece away from true contention.
Warriors’ Offer Still on the Table
Golden State might have the cleanest offer on paper: Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, and first-round picks. That’s a combination of win-now experience, young upside, and draft capital. But there’s a wrinkle.
If the Bucks were to accept that deal, Green likely wouldn’t stick around in Milwaukee. Windhorst floated the idea that Green would want to be rerouted-and that the Lakers could be a potential landing spot.
“If he were traded, his plan would not be to remain in Milwaukee,” Windhorst said. “He would want to be moved on.
A team that would be possible-and I can’t emphasize the number of ‘ifs’ I’ve said enough before I say this-but the Los Angeles Lakers would be a team he would have interest in, and they would have interest in him.”
Even if Green doesn’t move before the deadline, his inclusion in these talks could be the first domino in what might eventually be a split between him and the Warriors.
The Summer Factor
While Minnesota and Miami are pushing to get something done now, other teams around the league are encouraging Milwaukee to wait. According to Mannix, several front offices believe the Bucks are gathering intel now with an eye toward reopening trade talks in the summer, when more teams can enter the fray or improve their current offers.
“Minnesota badly wants to get it done now,” a rival executive told Mannix. “They don’t want to get into a bidding war before the draft.”
And that’s the risk for the Wolves. Push too hard now, and you might overpay. Wait too long, and you might get outbid.
Bottom line: The Giannis watch is officially on. Minnesota and Miami are making real moves.
Golden State has a strong hand. The Knicks?
They’re on the sidelines for now. But unless Milwaukee’s ownership decides to hit the eject button in the next 24 hours, this saga could be far from over.
Summer might be when the real fireworks start.