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Knicks' Chances to Strike Blockbuster NBA Trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo Revealed

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated May 13, 2025 8:00 AM ET

The main concern for the Milwaukee Bucks this offseason is the future of their star, Giannis Antetokounmpo. After a season filled with highs and lows, a certain level of uncertainty about Antetokounmpo's plans with the Bucks has become a concern—especially after the team was eliminated in the first round for the third consecutive year.

On Monday, ESPN's Brian Windhorst revealed that there's a chance for Antetokounmpo to be traded to the New York Knicks. While the Knicks don’t have a surplus of future draft picks to offer Milwaukee, they do have a strong pool of players they could include in a potential trade package.

Although New York lacks the draft capital like other teams, Windhorst noted they could still make compelling offers.

The NBA insider said the Knicks will need the Bucks star's involvement to get a potential deal in progress.

“He’s got two years on his contract,” Windhorst said on Monday's Get Up. “That means he doesn’t have to work with the Bucks... If a team trading for him knew they were going to have him basically for the rest of his prime, their offer would increase.”

“But I don’t think the Lakers or the Knicks could make an offer that’s in the top five or six. Because Giannis potentially has agency in this, then you would say his words would matter a lot.”

Getting Antetokounmpo involved in where he wants to continue his career is crucial. Even without the future assets that a team like the Bucks would prefer, the Knicks could offer a significant trade package in exchange. While the organization has a chance, they'll need the nine-time All-Star's involvement.

The Greek Freak has two years remaining in his three-year, $175.3 million contract extension. The 2021 Finals MVP also has a $62.7 million player option he can exercise.

Any team would feel secure having him since he's already committed to the contract, with his extension kicking in for the 2025-26 campaign.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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