Giannis Watch: Knicks, Spurs, and Others Ready to Strike if Bucks Open the Door
The NBA landscape could shift dramatically-again-if the Milwaukee Bucks decide to entertain trade offers for Giannis Antetokounmpo. And if that moment comes, the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs are expected to be among the first in line, ready to push their chips to the center of the table.
According to league sources, both New York and San Antonio are preparing to make aggressive plays for the two-time MVP should Milwaukee signal any willingness to move him. And they might not be alone. Executives around the league believe the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets are also monitoring the situation closely, with the assets and flexibility to get involved.
Knicks Already Tested the Waters
This isn’t just hypothetical for the Knicks-they’ve already kicked the tires. Prior to the start of the season, New York and Milwaukee reportedly had discussions about a potential Antetokounmpo deal.
And while nothing materialized, the interest is very real. Word around the league is that Giannis himself is intrigued by the idea of playing under the bright lights at Madison Square Garden.
Sitting at 13-7, the Knicks are in a strong position in the Eastern Conference, but they know they’re still missing one key piece. They believe a true superstar-the superstar-could be the difference between a solid playoff team and a legitimate title threat.
It’s been nearly three decades since the Knicks last reached the NBA Finals. A player like Giannis could change that overnight.
That said, pulling off a trade of this magnitude won’t be easy. New York would need to get creative with the salary cap and likely part ways with some core pieces. But when a generational talent becomes available, you move mountains.
Spurs Playing the Long Game
San Antonio, meanwhile, has been playing the long game-and they’ve been playing it smart. According to one source, the Spurs intentionally stayed out of the Kevin Durant sweepstakes in recent years to preserve their assets for a bigger, younger prize. That prize, it turns out, could be Antetokounmpo.
The Spurs are in a strong position to make a compelling offer. They’ve stockpiled draft capital and have a promising young core that includes Devin Vassell, Dylan Harper, and Stephon Castle. If the Bucks decide to pivot toward a rebuild, San Antonio can offer both future picks and high-upside talent-without gutting their entire roster.
Thunder, Rockets Lurking with Assets
Don’t sleep on the Thunder or Rockets either. Both teams have amassed a war chest of draft picks and young players over the past few seasons.
Oklahoma City, in particular, has the flexibility to make a blockbuster deal without compromising its long-term vision. Houston, too, has quietly built one of the deeper asset pools in the league.
Giannis Still a Game-Changer
Let’s be clear: Giannis Antetokounmpo is still one of the most dominant forces in the game. He was the driving engine behind Milwaukee’s 2021 championship, has two MVPs, a Finals MVP, and a Defensive Player of the Year award to his name. Just recently, he became the sixth-youngest player in NBA history to reach 21,000 career points-joining an elite group that includes LeBron James, Wilt Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, and Michael Jordan.
When Giannis is locked in, he’s a two-way wrecking ball. He can control a game on both ends of the floor, and there are only a handful of players in league history who can say the same.
But Frustration Is Brewing in Milwaukee
Here’s where things get interesting. The Bucks are struggling-badly.
They’ve lost eight of their last nine and sit at 9-13, currently outside the playoff picture in the East. Sources say Giannis is growing increasingly frustrated with the team’s recent skid.
And while he hasn’t publicly asked out, the tension is building.
Financially, there’s no no-trade clause in his deal. He’s earning $54.1 million this season and holds a $62.8 million player option for the 2027-28 campaign. So if Milwaukee decides to hit the reset button, they could do so without any contractual roadblocks.
The Ball’s in Giannis’ Court
Still, all of this hinges on one thing: Giannis making the first move. The Bucks aren’t expected to shop him unless he explicitly asks out.
But the league is watching closely. Teams are preparing their pitches, stacking their assets, and waiting for the green light.
If that moment comes-if Giannis decides it’s time for a change-the NBA could be looking at one of the most seismic trades in modern history. And the Knicks, Spurs, Thunder, and Rockets are all ready to make their case.