Reports indicate that potential trade negotiations involving Giannis Antetokounmpo and the New York Knicks are facing growing difficulties. This report was first published by The Sporting News; you can make The Sporting News a primary news source by clicking here.
Should the New York Knicks be unwilling to dismantle a roster that has advanced to the Eastern Conference finals for two straight seasons, Giannis Antetokounmpo may need to consider options other than his previously favored trade destination from the prior year.
During 2025, the New York Knicks and the Milwaukee Bucks held private discussions concerning Antetokounmpo, the individual twice recognized as the league’s most valuable player. His increasing frustration with the Bucks’ inability to construct a championship-caliber team had frequently prompted him to consider a potential transfer.
Ultimately, no agreement was finalized. Antetokounmpo subsequently completed a season in Milwaukee marred by injuries, resulting in the Bucks failing to qualify for the postseason.
Numerous teams, approximately one-third of the entire league, are expected to explore the possibility of acquiring Antetokounmpo through a trade during the upcoming summer. Any prospective team would need to be prepared to offer him a contract extension exceeding $200 million in total worth.
The Knicks, who consistently pursue marquee talent, are anticipated to participate in the pursuit to attract the ‘Greek Freak’ away from Milwaukee. However, Bobby Marks of ESPN has expressed skepticism regarding New York’s willingness to bear the financial implications, especially as the team stands just four victories away from reaching their first NBA Finals in this century.
“There will certainly be a temptation to chase Giannis again, especially if the Knicks lose in consecutive conference finals,” Marks wrote. He further elaborated on the significant obstacles, stating, “But with few first-round picks to trade, New York all but certainly would need to part ways with half its starting lineup.”
In order for the Knicks to remain beneath the second luxury tax threshold, they would be compelled to trade either OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, or a combination of these three players.
The New York organization possesses limited future draft selections, having relinquished five first-round picks to obtain Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets. Furthermore, Bridges secured a contract extension last August, committing him to the team until the conclusion of the 2029-30 season.
While this scenario would not necessarily hinder a Bucks franchise aiming to bypass an extensive rebuilding phase, the Knicks currently find themselves remarkably close to achieving major success. The overall context has evolved significantly compared to the previous summer.
