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How NBA teams reacted to the Bucks and the Knicks discussing a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade revealed

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By James Shearman | Last updated Oct 14, 2025 11:59 AM ET

Shams Charania recently reported that the Milwaukee Bucks and the New York Knicks held discussions over a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The talks took place in August, but the information was not revealed until last week, after the NBA preseason had already started.

Antetokounmpo remains with the Bucks, so evidently, no deal was agreed upon, but it certainly raised eyebrows throughout the league.

Brian Windhorst has now revealed what he was told about the NBA’s reaction to the news that the Knicks pursued a trade for the Greek Freak.

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NBA teams called Milwaukee Bucks after Giannis Antetokounmpo to New York Knicks talks

The Milwaukee Bucks have maintained that Giannis Antetokounmpo is not available, so many were surprised to hear that they had engaged in trade talks.

Several NBA front offices may also have wondered why the Bucks only spoke to one team rather than the entire league.

According to Brian Windhorst, “some teams” have since responded by calling the Bucks to enquire about an Antetokounmpo trade.

He explained: “I will say, after Shams’ report came out last week that said the Knicks and the Bucks talked about a Giannis trade in August, as you can imagine, I’m told that some teams checked in with the Bucks. ‘Hey, wait a minute, are you willing to listen?’

“They were told, ‘No.’ The Bucks are totally focused on having Giannis, as you would expect, but you would also expect teams to check in after that became public.”

However, everyone now knows that the Bucks have at least entertained the idea of parting ways with their greatest player.

Brian Windhorst dismisses importance of Alex Antetokounmpo signing for Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks recently announced the signing of Giannis’ younger brother, Alex Antetokounmpo, to a two-way contract.

Giannis now has the opportunity to play with two of his brothers, Alex and Thanasis, and make NBA history.

The Bucks clearly completed the deal to appease their superstar player, but Windhorst is not convinced it will make any difference to his future in Milwaukee.

“When you’ve waived a guy like Damian Lillard and paid him $100 million not to be on your roster, and then immediately spent $100m on Myles Turner, signing his brother to a two-way contract is not relevant,” he added.

“I’m sure Giannis is thrilled. It’s a great opportunity for him to play with his brothers. It’s probably a moment they’ve dreamed about for a long time. But I don’t think it’s relevant to what Giannis is looking for.

“Shams keeps talking about that 25-game mark. The whole league is paying attention to it.”

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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