Bucks star presumed to have interest in joining Knicks, Lakers

Antetokounmpo, 28, is set to enter the third year of a five-year, $228M contract. The two-time league MVP will be eligible for a three-year, $173M extension on September 22. However, the chance he signs an extension in the immediate future is slim to none. 

“The real question’s not going to be this year — numbers-wise it doesn’t make sense,” Antetokounmpo recently told Tania Gangu of The New York Times while discussing his pending extension eligibility. “But next year, next summer it would make more sense for both parties. Even then, I don’t know.”

The Knicks have long positioned themselves to add a superstar to their roster by playing a balancing act under the guidance of president Leon Rose. Since taking over in 2020, Rose has collected hoards of young talent and future draft capital. The Knicks have four first-round picks in 2024 and eight first-round selections over the next three seasons. 

The team has snooped around the superstar market in years past but has been reluctant to pull the trigger. Linked to the likes of Donovan Mitchell, Zach LaVine and Karl-Anthony Towns in the past, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is believed to be atop the Knicks wish list. 

However, that could change barring what happens with Antetokounmpo's situation in Milwaukee. Antetokounmpo's championship pedigree could usurp Embiid in New York's pecking order if the latter's injury history proves to be a concern. 

As for the Lakers, the team did re-up Anthony Davis on a $186M contract extension this summer. However, Davis could be in need of a new running mate soon, depending on when LeBron James decides to call it a career. James is 38 and contemplated retirement this offseason before opting to return for his 21st NBA season.