The Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors are buzzing again after a recent NBA report by ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The report indicated that the Milwaukee Bucks had engaged in trade talks with the New York Knicks over the offseason about a possible trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Antetokounmpo responded to that report but sent out mixed feelings. He mentioned his commitment to the Bucks, but that he would be “human” if he changed his mind in the future.
With the 2025-26 NBA season nearing, the Knicks have built even more momentum when it comes to a potential Antetokounmpo trade.
Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty ImagesBrian Windhorst says the New York Knicks are in a ‘decent position’ to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo because it would likely be ‘a player based trade’
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst explained that since the Bucks don’t control their future draft picks, they aren’t in a position to tank.
Therefore, if they did trade Antetokounmpo it would likely be a player based trade. That actually favors the Knicks because their future picks are tied up too.
New York could trade top talent for Giannis and still remain a championship contender.
“I actually think the Knicks are in decent position here, let me tell you why, because the Bucks do not control their draft.
“For the next five years, they’re still paying off the debt from building that championship team and those championship contenders.
“If the Bucks ever reach a position where they feel like they have to trade Giannis, they can’t tank, they don’t control their draft.
“So if you’re going to make a Giannis trade, it’s probably going to be a player based trade.”
What the New York Knicks can offer for Giannis Antetokounmpo
The New York Knicks’ strongest offer for Antetokounmpo would include either Jalen Brunson or Karl-Anthony Towns.
However, since elite guard play is needed to win a championship in today’s NBA, the Knicks would likely opt to create a trade package around Towns.
If the Knicks didn’t want to part ways with Towns, they would then likely have to trade two of Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Josh Hart.
Given that the Knicks are already a championship team with enticing players, they could be in the driver’s seat when it comes to trading for Giannis.