Giannis Antetokounmpo downplays Knicks trade rumor; Coulibaly cleared to debut; Paul George eyeing early-November return with Sixers
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Milwaukee, WI — Giannis Antetokounmpo kept the conversation on the court Tuesday night after scoring 37 points in the Bucks’ 121–111 home victory over the Knicks. Asked about an ESPN report that Milwaukee and New York briefly discussed an offseason trade involving him, the two-time MVP said he “didn’t remember” any such talks and is focused solely on the season ahead.
“Right now, I’m here representing my team,” Antetokounmpo told reporters, according to The Athletic. “We beat the Knicks. That’s all that matters.”
The 29-year-old forward—the No. 15 pick in the 2013 draft—has two guaranteed seasons left on his contract followed by a player option. Milwaukee has failed to reach the second round in three consecutive postseasons, making the current campaign pivotal. Antetokounmpo is averaging 38.5 points over his past two outings and owns a +12.5 net rating when on the floor. The Bucks host Golden State in two days.
Tuesday’s win held extra meaning after New York swept Milwaukee in last year’s season series. “I remember,” Antetokounmpo said. “As the leader of this team, I try to set the tone.”
Wizards
Washington, DC — Bilal Coulibaly will play for the first time this season when the Wizards visit Oklahoma City on Thursday, head coach Brian Keefe said. The 2023 No. 7 overall pick underwent surgery last month to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb, an injury sustained while representing France at EuroBasket. He missed all of preseason and Washington’s first four games.
The 21-year-old forward averaged 12.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists while starting all 59 games as a rookie. Washington, off to a slow start, expects his two-way skill set to provide an immediate lift. The team must decide by Friday whether to exercise his $9.24 million option for the 2026-27 season, a move widely considered a formality.
76ers
Philadelphia, PA — Paul George could make his first appearance in a 76ers uniform early next month. NBA insider Jake Fischer stated on YouTube, via HoopsHype, that momentum is building for the All-Star forward to return in early November after sitting out the opening games of the season.
Philadelphia is 4-0 without him, leaning on Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe to produce one of the league’s most balanced offenses. Injuries to George and Joel Embiid derailed last year’s playoff run; a healthy roster would position the Sixers as a contender in the Eastern Conference.
Source: Hoops Wire
