Overview
- Offseason discussions between New York and Milwaukee never gained traction, though reporting indicated Giannis Antetokounmpo privately preferred the Knicks.
- New York’s flexibility is constrained after sending five first-round picks for Mikal Bridges, whose new deal carries a six-month trade restriction that lifts Feb. 1, four days before the Feb. 5 deadline.
- The Knicks have opened with sharper offense under Mike Brown, jumping to first in 3-point attempt rate and fifth in passes per game while using a deeper rotation.
- Milwaukee has leaned fully into a Giannis-led attack, with Antetokounmpo averaging roughly 36 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists in an early MVP-caliber start.
- The Bucks retooled by paying out Damian Lillard and signing Myles Turner, and Antetokounmpo says he is locked in for now while acknowledging his stance could shift in six to seven months.