Giannis Antetokounmpo may not be the loudest voice in the room, but behind the scenes, he made it clear before the season began: he was open to a new chapter - and the New York Knicks were his preferred destination.
According to reporting from ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Bucks and Knicks engaged in real conversations about a potential blockbuster deal. But like so many big trades that almost happen in the NBA, this one never got past the exploratory phase.
Milwaukee held firm, unwilling to part with their franchise cornerstone unless he explicitly pushed for the exit. New York, fresh off its first trip to the Eastern Conference Finals since 2000, wasn’t ready to empty the war chest unless Giannis made his intentions crystal clear.
Let’s take a step back here. Antetokounmpo brought Milwaukee its first championship in 50 years back in 2021 - a title run that elevated him to legendary status in the city and across the league.
But since that magical postseason, the Bucks have only managed to win a single playoff series. Fast forward to this season, and they’ve stumbled out of the gate with a 9-13 record.
That’s not what you expect from a team built around one of the most dominant forces in the game. The frustration is starting to bubble, and it’s not just fans who are noticing - rival front offices are paying close attention.
As for the Knicks, their interest in Giannis is very real and very longstanding. SNY’s Ian Begley previously reported that Antetokounmpo is “very, very intrigued” by the idea of chasing a title in New York - and it’s easy to see why.
The Knicks haven’t won a championship since 1973, and the chance to be the player who ends that half-century drought? That’s the kind of legacy-defining move that resonates with a competitor like Giannis.
He sees the same window the Knicks do - a roster that’s trending upward, a market that’s hungry, and a fanbase that would embrace him like a savior.
But make no mistake: Milwaukee still holds the cards. Giannis is under contract, making $54.1 million this season, and he’s got a massive player option lined up for 2027-28. The Bucks aren’t going to make a move unless he formally asks out - and so far, that hasn’t happened.
Meanwhile, on the court, Giannis is doing what he always does: putting up absurd numbers and reminding everyone why he’s one of the most feared two-way players in basketball. He’s averaging 30.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 6.4 assists while shooting an eye-popping 63.9% from the field.
That’s MVP-level production. The problem is, the wins just aren’t following.
So where does that leave us? For now, it’s a waiting game.
The Bucks are trying to find their footing, the Knicks are keeping their assets warm, and Giannis - well, he’s watching closely. If the losses keep piling up in Milwaukee, don’t be surprised if those whispers about a fresh start start to get a whole lot louder.