For a moment last summer, the NBA rumor mill buzzed with a blockbuster possibility: Giannis Antetokounmpo in a New York Knicks jersey. While nothing came of it, the conversations were real - and they offer a glimpse into a future that might not be as far off as it once seemed.
According to league sources, the Milwaukee Bucks and the Knicks briefly discussed a potential trade for Antetokounmpo during the offseason. It didn’t go far - Milwaukee was confident it could keep its franchise cornerstone happy and in place, and New York never pushed hard enough to make the Bucks seriously consider letting him go. But the fact that the dialogue happened at all is telling.
Milwaukee’s stance has long been clear: build around Giannis, not trade him. He’s the face of the franchise, the two-time MVP who brought the city its first NBA title in 50 years back in 2021.
But even with that legacy, the Bucks have reportedly left the door cracked open. If the right deal - or the right circumstances - came along, they’d at least be willing to listen.
That’s where things get interesting. While the Knicks were once seen as the most likely destination should Giannis ever want out, that narrative has shifted.
He’s reportedly more open-minded now, with other potential suitors like the Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors also on his radar. In other words, if Antetokounmpo decides to move on, it’s not going to be a one-team race.
Still, the Knicks remain one of the few franchises with both the assets and the ambition to make a serious run at a superstar. They’ve been collecting picks and young talent for just this kind of opportunity, and Madison Square Garden is always a tempting stage for a player of Giannis’ stature.
But there’s a wrinkle - and it’s a big one. Antetokounmpo is currently sidelined with a right calf strain and is expected to miss the next four weeks.
That timeline takes him right up to the Feb. 5 trade deadline, making any potential deal far more complicated. Teams aren’t just trading for the name on the jersey - they need to know he’ll be healthy and ready to contribute when the playoffs roll around.
So what does all this mean? For now, it’s mostly smoke, not fire.
But the fact that the Bucks and Knicks even had those talks - brief as they were - signals that we may be inching closer to a turning point. Giannis isn’t demanding a trade, and Milwaukee isn’t actively shopping him.
But both sides seem to understand that the future isn’t set in stone.
In a league where player movement can shift the balance of power overnight, Giannis’ situation is one to watch. Whether it’s New York, Miami, Golden State, or somewhere else entirely, the idea of Antetokounmpo in a new uniform isn’t as far-fetched as it once felt.
For now, the Bucks will focus on getting their star healthy and back on the floor. But come summer - or even sooner - don’t be surprised if those trade talks heat up again. Because when a player like Giannis is even slightly available, the entire league takes notice.