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Feb 25, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) warms up before the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Buck GM and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Disagreement Led to Knicks Talks as Private Meeting Details Emerge

Originally posted on EssentiallySports
By Anuj Talwalkar | Last updated Oct 7, 2025 9:20 AM ET

Everybody was anxiously awaiting Giannis Antetokounmpo to make a decision. Following another first-round exit, the two-time MVP was prepared to explore his options and compete for championships. In the end, he chose the Bucks, returning for his 13^th season with he franchise. However, the process wasn’t as simple as Antetokounmpo choosing the Bucks. Initially, the 30-year-old has his reservations.

Notably, Shams Charania detailed how Bucks GM Jon Horst travelled 6,000 miles to Athens. This was after they signed Myles Turner, without consulting their ace beforehand. Horst forwarded belief in the roster he had created around Giannis Antetokounmpo. But the former Finals MVP didn’t feel the same way.

“Antetokounmpo then responded. While Horst expressed his confidence in the Bucks’ roster and his moves, Antetokounmpo aired his concerns about whether this team could truly achieve championship contention, and he wanted to explore whether there would be an alternative path forward for both the team and player,” Charania reported on ESPN.

Just a few weeks later, in August, the New York Knicks came calling. Leon Rose has had a dream of bringing the Greek Freak to NY. Antetokounmpo also reportedly only considered the Knicks as a possible destination. The Bucks and Knicks shared conversations during the month, but a serious offer was never made.

The Knicks didn’t think Milwaukee was serious about selling Antetokounmpo. Moreover, they didn’t have sufficient draft capital or player assets to make an irresistible offer. Eventually, late in August, the Bucks agreed to bring back Thanasis Antetokounmpo, gaining an advantage in winning over Antetokounmpo’s loyalty. And that is exactly what has happened. Giannis Antetokounmpo will play for the Bucks this season.

But don’t get it wrong. Antetokounmpo is in Wisconsin now, but his mind could still change depending on how the season goes.

Giannis Antetokounmpo could still want out

The drama looks like it’s over. Antetokounmpo is in Milwaukee, ready to take on another season. Still, the execs around the league continue to monitor his situation. The truth is, it won’t be over until the Bucks can help Antetokounmpo expand his legacy. To the dominant forward, what counts is how much silverware can be won by the end of his career.

“I just want more. I want to win another championship. I want to win another medal for the national team. Legacy is very important for me. … You got to play to win. I don’t play to be around and get paid,” he recently said.

So what the Bucks need is to resemble his desires. Aside from Turner and Antetokounmpo, the Bucks don’t have a high-profile star on their roster. The team does have talent, and with the Greek Freak’s limitless potential, they believe they can capture the East. It has been damaged with injuries to Haliburton and Jayson Tatum. Despite that, the Bucks aren’t the favorites.

That’s how low the bar has been set for the team. Giannis Antetokounmpo hasn’t escaped the adversity in recent years. He is the only player in history to have averaged 30 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists while shooting 60% from the floor. Antetokounmpo has done that for two consecutive seasons. Still, the Milwaukee Bucks haven’t won a playoff series.

For now, Giannis Antetokounmpo is giving the team peace and wants them to develop into a great unit. For those reasons, he hasn’t applied any pressure on the Bucks. All he wants is to win one playoff series, which will revive his belief in the Bucks. But if it’s another disturbing campaign, these same conversations could spark in the middle of the season.

The Knicks may not want to miss when that time comes.

This article first appeared on EssentiallySports and was syndicated with permission.

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