Earlier than their championship-winning 2025-26 season, the New York Knicks reportedly explored the opportunity of buying Giannis Antetokounmpo if the Milwaukee Bucks had critically thought of transferring their franchise star, through Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.
In response to sources, Antetokounmpo had conveyed to folks across the league that he can be open to becoming a member of New York if Milwaukee determined to make him out there in a commerce.
The Knicks had been reportedly interested by exploring that chance and had been ready to guage a possible deal.
Nonetheless, these discussions by no means gained vital traction as a result of many across the league believed Milwaukee was not genuinely interested by buying and selling Antetokounmpo on the time.
“I don’t assume Milwaukee was actually critical about buying and selling him,” one supply mentioned. “But when that they had been keen to commerce him, the Knicks would’ve traded for him.”
Regardless of monitoring the state of affairs, New York finally stayed the course with its current roster.
Staff decision-makers believed they already possessed a championship-caliber group and felt that changing Tom Thibodeau with Mike Brown would offer a unique method that would assist maximize the crew’s playoff potential.
That confidence proved justified. The Knicks stored their core collectively and went on to seize the 2026 NBA championship, defeating the San Antonio Spurs in 5 video games.
Whereas New York’s curiosity in Antetokounmpo was actual, the state of affairs has modified significantly.
With the Knicks now centered on defending their title, they’re not seen as a possible vacation spot if Antetokounmpo is moved.
League expectations proceed to level towards a possible commerce earlier than the 2026 NBA Draft, with the Bucks star broadly projected to stay within the Japanese Convention.
The Miami Warmth and Boston Celtics are presently seen because the main contenders ought to Milwaukee finally resolve to maneuver the previous MVP.
Knicks Had been Prepared To Commerce For Giannis Antetokounmpo Final Offseason If Bucks Made Him Accessible https://t.co/gkBUZCYNvL
— RealGM (@RealGM) June 15, 2026
