Giannis Denies Trade Rumors After Bucks Beat Knicks

The Milwaukee Bucks beat the New York Knicks 121-111, with Giannis Antetokounmpo scoring 37 points, eight rebounds and seven assists and at one point shouting "THIS IS MY CITY!"; afterward Giannis denied reports he wanted a trade to New York, telling reporters "Who said that? I don't read that," and saying he's focused on representing Milwaukee. ESPN's Shams Charania reported a private offseason meeting in which Giannis allegedly told Bucks GM Jon Horst he would accept a trade only to the Knicks if Milwaukee suffered another early playoff exit, and that multi-week talks between the teams produced no acceptable deal. Milwaukee's offseason moves — re-signing role players Bobby Portis, Gary Trent Jr., Kevin Porter Jr. and Taurean Prince, waiving injured Damian Lillard and signing Myles Turner — have been cited as part of the team's effort to stabilize the roster. Those moves helped the Bucks open the season 3-1; Giannis is off the injury report and Kyle Kuzma has been upgraded as Milwaukee prepares to host Golden State on Thursday.