Giannis Eyes Knicks; Bucks-Knicks Talks Stalled

Giannis Antetokounmpo seriously considered leaving the Bucks this offseason and, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, identified the New York Knicks as the only non-Milwaukee destination he would entertain. Milwaukee and New York engaged in an exclusive, multi-week negotiating window in August, but talks never gained traction. The Bucks said they preferred not to trade their franchise player and felt the Knicks’ offer wasn’t strong enough, while New York believed Milwaukee was not truly serious — a dynamic complicated by the Knicks’ depleted draft capital and the Mikal Bridges extension. Antetokounmpo will “keep his options open” depending on how the Bucks start the season. He is under contract through 2026–27 with a 2027–28 player option and faces pressure after three straight first-round playoff exits.