Report: Knicks Remain in Play for Giannis Antetokounmpo as Nets Exit Conversation
knicks-giannis-rumor-nets-fade
NEW YORK — The Milwaukee Bucks quietly gauged trade possibilities for Giannis Antetokounmpo during the offseason and held talks with only one club: the New York Knicks, according to multiple league sources.
Antetokounmpo had expressed some openness to the idea of playing in New York, keeping speculation alive around an eventual move. While the Knicks continue to be viewed as a realistic destination should the two-time MVP ever seek a change, the Brooklyn Nets have fallen out of the conversation, Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported.
The Nets previously believed they could mount a serious bid if Antetokounmpo became available, but that confidence has waned. Brooklyn is now prioritizing a high pick in the 2026 draft in hopes of securing a future cornerstone, and its current roster is considered short of championship caliber—an essential criterion for Antetokounmpo if he were to request a trade.
New York, in contrast, is regarded as closer to contention with Antetokounmpo in the lineup. The uncertainty centers on whether the Knicks could assemble an offer compelling enough for Milwaukee. Fischer noted that several sources said Antetokounmpo told at least one Bucks teammate he believed a deal with the Knicks was nearly completed during the summer, though other accounts indicated talks never gained significant traction.
League executives widely agree on the current landscape: if Antetokounmpo asks out, the Knicks would be among the front-runners, while the Nets no longer occupy the same tier of interest.
Source: Hoops Wire
