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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – APRIL 27: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts during the final seconds of the third quarter in Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Fiserv Forum on April 27, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The New York Knicks’ long-rumored pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo may have hit a wall not because of the Milwaukee Bucks’ reluctance to part with their superstar, but because of the Knicks’ own doubts about what such a blockbuster would cost.
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, New York’s front office expressed concern about the roster imbalance that could result from emptying much of its depth to acquire the two-time MVP.
“Team sources have made it clear that Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson was, as expected, untouchable in these talks,” Amick reported. “In terms of possible players being involved, the common-sense lens turns toward [Karl-Anthony] Towns, [[OG] Anunoby and [Mitchell] Robinson from there.”
Amick added that even if Milwaukee had interest in such a package, the Knicks were wary of losing too much balance in a star-heavy deal.
“That doesn’t mean they don’t have interest — they absolutely do,” Amick wrote. “But we’ve seen plenty of proof these past few years that Antetokounmpo’s impact alone simply isn’t enough. As the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers showed in the finals, depth and diversity of talent is the modern-day way to the mountaintop.”
Knicks’ Exclusive Window Has Closed
The Knicks’ exclusive negotiating window with Milwaukee, granted in August, has since expired. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Bucks will open to discussions with other teams should they revisit Antetokounmpo’s future later in the season.
“That window is obviously shut,” Charania said on NBA Today. “We’re not in August anymore — we’re now in October. If things reopen during the season with this whole Giannis Antetokounmpo element, that window is no longer exclusive to the Knicks.”
Charania earlier detailed how both sides left those summer talks with differing views.
“The Bucks insisted to the Knicks that they preferred not to move Antetokounmpo,” he wrote. “But those in Milwaukee believe New York did not make a strong enough offer to continue even discussing a trade.”
Draft Capital and Future Flexibility Shrinking
The Knicks’ trade flexibility has also narrowed following an aggressive 2024 offseason that brought in Bridges and Towns. New York sent out six first-round picks, along with Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, to make those moves.
Now, the Knicks hold just one first-round pick, three potential pick swaps, and eight second-rounders — a modest war chest for a team that once boasted one of the league’s deepest asset pools.
Lowe’s ‘Semi-Plausible’ Trade Idea
Despite the Knicks’ current hesitation, speculation continues around the league. On The Zach Lowe Show podcast, The Ringer’s Zach Lowe floated what he called a “semi-plausible” trade framework if talks ever resume.
“Here’s where we get to semi-plausibility,” Lowe said. “KAT [Karl-Anthony Towns] and [OG] Anunoby for Giannis and [Kyle] Kuzma. I’d have to add some salary, but this is a salary that didn’t really work out for us — we’re cool moving on from [Kuzma].”
Lowe admitted the scenario is purely theoretical but said it could address New York’s defensive concerns in the Brunson-Towns pairing. SNY’s Ian Begley agreed the concept made sense from Milwaukee’s standpoint as well.
“You’re going to want to add a player that you’d be comfortable getting off of — that gives you a little bit more financial freedom,” Begley said. “That could at least get you a few conversations, a few phone calls.”
For now, those calls have gone silent — but as Antetokounmpo’s future remains uncertain, the Knicks’ calculated caution could either prove prudent or come back to haunt them.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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