Giannis Antetokounmpo Knicks trade rumors: How Bucks star was nearly dealt to New York — and why it didn’t happen

As Giannis Antetokounmpo gears up for his 13th season with the Milwaukee Bucks, the foundation may not be as steady as it once was.

In the four years since Antetokounmpo’s legendary Finals performance lifted the franchise to a championship, the Bucks have won just one playoff series and have been eliminated in the first round three straight times. And as Milwaukee looked to retool around its star this offseason, Antetokounmpo reportedly entertained the idea of playing elsewhere.

During the 2025 offseason, Antetokounmpo was linked to the New York Knicks in trade rumors, per ESPN's Shams Charania. It is nothing new for Antetokounmpo's name to be mentioned in such talks, but this time, the 30-year-old reportedly was eying a potential move to The Big Apple.

Lack of recent postseason success aside, Antetokounmpo is entering his age-31 season and is coming off his seventh-consecutive All-NBA First Team campaign. Simply put, rumors invoking his name can cause seismic shifts around the league.

Here is what to know about the rumors involving Antetokounmpo, the Bucks, and the Knicks.

MORE: Where Giannis Antetokounmpo ranks among the top 10 players for 2025-26

Giannis Antetokounmpo Knicks trade rumors

As trade rumors began to circulate, Antetokounmpo reportedly expressed interest in leaving the Bucks only for the Knicks, according to Charania.

Charania’s report added that New York did its due diligence by engaging Milwaukee in trade conversations in August, “but the teams never got traction on a deal.” The Knicks weren’t believed to have made a strong enough offer for talks to advance.

“The multiweek process was described by one source with direct knowledge of the talks as an exclusive negotiating window,” Charania added — indicating that, for now, the opportunity to strike a deal has passed.

Because of other moves made over the past two years, New York is also limited in what it can offer in a potential trade for Antetokounmpo.

Negotiations reportedly reached a stalemate because the Knicks never believed the Bucks were serious about moving him, while the Bucks doubted New York’s willingness or ability to put together a compelling package.

Specific to the Bucks and Antetokounmpo, general manager Jon Horst traveled to Athens, Greece, during the summer to meet with the superstar.

Notably, owner Wes Edens told reporters at media day that he and Antetokounmpo "had a great conversation" about his commitment to the franchise in June, only for Antetokounmpo to say "I cannot recall that meeting" around an hour later.

Antetokounmpo could have had a true memory lapse, or the inconsistency in stories indicates that there are some issues beyond the surface. 

NBA POSITION RANKINGS 2025-26: PG | SG

Giannis Antentokounmpo contract

In 2023, Antetokounmpo signed a three-year, $175.4 million contract extension with a player option for the 2027-28 season. He is under contract for at least the next two seasons and is set to earn $54.1 million in 2025-26.