Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Giannis Antetokounmpo trade talk could hurt Knicks’ season, Bill Simmons warns

Originally posted on HITC | By Luca Rosano | Last updated Oct 16, 2025 6:20 AM ET

Over the summer, the New York Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks reportedly held discussions about a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade.

Since then, speculation around a possible move has only grown, with the Knicks frequently mentioned as one of the leading contenders.

The Knicks believe they have a real shot at winning it all this year and are looking for that final piece to push them over the line. Giannis could be exactly what they need.

While Antetokounmpo hasn’t officially asked for a move, if that changes later in the season, New York will likely be first in line to make an offer.

Bill Simmons believes the Giannis Antetokounmpo rumours could disrupt the Knicks’ season

Giannis on the Knicks is a worrying thought. New York already has a roster built to win it all, and adding Antetokounmpo would only strengthen their case as favourites in the East.

Still, making that happen wouldn’t come cheap. Bill Simmons has already cautioned the Knicks about what chasing Giannis could bring, drawing parallels to what LeBron James’ teams experienced in the past.

Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images

Back then, trade rumours were constant around James’ teammates, and it often threw off team chemistry. Simmons pointed out that’s exactly what New York will want to avoid — endless speculation disrupting their season before anything even happens.

Simmons added: “The only thing that really worries me was if the Giannis thing goes bad, and all that rumour stuff starts and trades, and just this team being in trade rumours could undermine something.

“It would always happen with LeBron teams, where starting December, January, February these guys would just be in rumours.”

What a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade might cost the Knicks

Reports suggest that New York isn’t looking to move Jalen Brunson, so any deal would likely need to include Karl-Anthony Towns.

If the Knicks decide to keep Towns, they’d have to consider sending two of OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, or Josh Hart instead.

That’s a significant amount of depth to sacrifice for one player, but it reflects the kind of demand that comes with pursuing a superstar like Giannis.

It’ll be interesting to see how things develop and whether Antetokounmpo eventually signals that he wants out of Milwaukee.

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

More must-reads: