Sep 23, 2025; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown speaks to the media during a media day press conference at the Madison Square Garden training center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

'I Don’t Get Into That Stuff' – New York Knicks Coach Brushes Off Sensational Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Links

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Oct 9, 2025 12:38 AM ET

Mike Brown offered a blunt response when he recently asked about the rumored trade talks involving the New York Knicks and Giannis Antetokounmpo. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, New York emerged as the “only place” Antetokounmpo wanted to play outside of Milwaukee. However, the deal never came into fruition.

“I don’t get into that stuff. We’re in a great spot right now. Our guys have been playing their tails off. They’re starting to pick what we’re doing defensively; offensively, we’re getting a little bit more comfortable – especially trying to play fast,” Brown stated via SNY’s Ian Begley.

“That’s what I’m concentrating on now. Like I said, I love our guys and I think they’re starting to enjoy playing the way we’re trying to play on both ends,” he added.

Feb 20, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) on the bench in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

Despite missing out on Antetokounmpo, the New York Knicks remain one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference this upcoming season, with the core of Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, and OG Anunoby.

New York Knicks swingman will largely “benefit” from Mike Brown’s uptempo system, claims analyst

Mike Brown said that he wants the New York Knicks to play faster this upcoming season, and ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst believes that Mikal Bridges will be the biggest beneficiary of the new system.

Nov 6, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) keeps the ball away from Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

“They are determined to play more up-tempo as a team this year,” Windhorst said on the Hoop Collective podcast. “I would say my biggest takeaway from the Knicks is that Mikal Bridges is going to benefit, at least if they stick to this up-tempo offense, because Bridges is dedicating himself to get out ahead of the play.”

“And in two halves, basically, he played, he probably had four or five run-outs where he got thrown ahead, where he either got an easy basket or got a foul. And you could understand, Bridges, his role is to work really hard on the defensive end and then space the floor offensively,” he added.