Knicks could land Giannis Antetokounmpo in bonkers mock trade 1 Jan 12, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Knicks could land Giannis Antetokounmpo in bonkers mock trade

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Nathan Yasis | Last updated Oct 10, 2025 3:09 PM ET

The NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement has made trades for high-earning players, like those making over $50 million per season, especially tricky for luxury-tax teams such as the New York Knicks. As a result, teams chasing a title may need to navigate significant financial and roster maneuvers to acquire someone like Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks superstar who could become available either before next year’s trade deadline or during the offseason.

The Knicks currently carry Karl-Anthony Towns on their roster, earning over $50 million per season with three years and $171 million remaining on his contract. Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey outlined how New York could pull off a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo in a relatively simple manner, avoiding the need to move multiple players or draft picks.

“Giannis Antetokounmpo for Karl-Anthony Towns, Pacôme Dadiet, a 2028 first-round pick swap, a 2030 first-round pick swap, a 2032 first-round pick swap and seven second-round picks,” Bailey wrote in his article.

Bailey noted that New York could have the upper hand, referencing reports that Antetokounmpo expressed a desire to play in the city this offseason, sparking initial trade talks between the Bucks and the Knicks.

Giannis Antetokounmpo in the Big Apple?

Mar 28, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives to the basket against New York Knicks guard Tyler Kolek (13) in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

“It’s really only a possibility if Giannis forcefully, and maybe even publicly, tells Milwaukee that he specifically wants this destination,” he continued.

The Greek Freak confirmed he intends to finish the 2025-26 season before determining his next step, while openly acknowledging that the Bucks, who are not among the top favorites for the NBA title, do not provide him the best opportunity to win.

“The Knicks would instantly become the favorite to win the East, while the Bucks might be able to redirect KAT in a future, rebuild-focused trade before his contract expires,” Bailey added.

Charles Barkley rips Giannis Antetokounmpo for keeping the Bucks in limbo 3 Dec 31, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) celebrates a made shot in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Antetokounmpo has achieved a great deal in Milwaukee, guiding the team to its first championship since 1971 during the 2021 season. Along the way, he has earned two MVP awards and nine All-Star selections, solidifying his place as one of the most accomplished players in franchise history.

To keep Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee long-term, the Bucks must deliver a strong playoff performance and prove through results that the team still deserves his trust and commitment.

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

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