Giannis Antetokounmpo’s name has been swirling in trade rumors for months now, and with the 2025-26 season in full swing, the speculation hasn’t slowed down. What started as offseason whispers has turned into one of the league’s most closely watched storylines. And while the Milwaukee Bucks haven’t made any official moves, the chatter around a potential blockbuster trade continues to grow louder - especially with big-market teams like the New York Knicks reportedly showing interest.
But let’s pump the brakes for a second.
According to recent reports, Antetokounmpo isn’t exactly jumping at the idea of heading to New York. Despite the Knicks being floated as a possible destination, the two-time MVP doesn’t appear to be interested in donning the orange and blue. That hasn’t stopped the conversation, though - especially with former players now weighing in on what such a move could mean for both sides.
Kendrick Perkins, never one to shy away from a bold take, made his stance crystal clear during a recent appearance on The Road Trippin Show. His message to the Knicks? Stay put.
“I wouldn’t touch that if I’m the Knicks,” Perkins said, holding nothing back. “You’re going to have to give up two or three major pieces.
So then you’re going to be concerned with depth. And Giannis hasn’t been healthy in the last two, three postseasons.”
Perkins pointed to Antetokounmpo’s recent injury history - particularly issues with his calf - as a red flag. And he didn’t mince words when it came to the idea of including a key piece like OG Anunoby in a potential deal.
“Would you throw OG Anunoby in that trade? No!
You need those pieces,” Perkins said. “If I was the Knicks, I would stay just the way I am.”
From a roster-building standpoint, Perkins raises a valid concern. Trading for a superstar like Giannis isn’t just about acquiring a generational talent - it’s about what you’re giving up to get him. For a Knicks team that’s finally built a strong core and found some stability after years of turbulence, gutting the roster for one player - even one as dominant as Antetokounmpo - could be a risky play.
And then there’s Giannis himself, who seems to be taking all the speculation in stride. Speaking recently about the nonstop trade talk, the Greek Freak leaned into the attention with a touch of humor.
“This is the most I’ve ever been talked about in my career,” he said. “I’m in my house with my kids and all that, and I’m opening the TV and it’s like, ‘Oh, Giannis is going to the Memphis Grizzlies!’ Or, ‘Giannis is going to the Detroit Pistons!’”
He even joked that he feels like the “hottest chick” in the game right now - a tongue-in-cheek way of acknowledging the media frenzy surrounding his name.
It’s a rare moment of levity from a player who’s typically all business. But it also shows that Giannis is aware of the narrative and isn’t letting it rattle him. Whether that’s a sign he’s staying put or simply playing the long game remains to be seen.
What we do know is this: when a player of Antetokounmpo’s caliber is even rumored to be available, the entire league pays attention. And while the Knicks may be one of the teams linked to him, they’ll have to weigh the cost carefully. Depth, chemistry, and long-term flexibility all come into play when you’re talking about a move of this magnitude.
For now, Giannis remains in Milwaukee - cracking jokes, raising eyebrows, and keeping the NBA world guessing.