Knicks Deemed Jalen Brunson Off-Limits in August Talks for Giannis Antetokounmpo
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The New York Knicks refused to include point guard Jalen Brunson in trade discussions with the Milwaukee Bucks regarding Giannis Antetokounmpo this past August, team sources told The Athletic.
According to the report, New York’s intent was to pair Antetokounmpo with Brunson rather than replace its All-Star floor general. With Brunson unavailable and newly extended swingman Mikal Bridges temporarily ineligible to be moved, the Knicks and Bucks reportedly explored packages centered on Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson.
ESPN’s Shams Charania disclosed earlier in the week that Milwaukee and New York spoke over the summer after Antetokounmpo expressed concerns about the Bucks’ championship outlook and identified the Knicks as the lone destination he would consider if he left Wisconsin. Charania noted that the conversations stalled when the Bucks signaled they planned to retain the two-time MVP and the Knicks failed to present an offer compelling enough to change that stance.
New York has already committed several future first-round picks to previous deals, making a prospective Antetokounmpo bid more reliant on players than draft capital. Even if Milwaukee had interest in some of those players, team officials in New York reportedly worried such a blockbuster could leave the roster unbalanced.
While no momentum emerged from the August talks, the dialogue represents the clearest indication to date that Antetokounmpo is evaluating alternatives outside Milwaukee. The 30-year-old has one guaranteed season left beyond 2025-26, followed by a player option for 2027-28, positioning the upcoming campaign as a potential inflection point for his future.
Amick added that, although the Knicks were the only club to make contact with the Bucks this offseason, multiple teams are expected to pursue Antetokounmpo aggressively if Milwaukee ever makes him available.
Source: Hoops Rumors
