Overview
- ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Antetokounmpo privately identified the Knicks as his preferred destination outside Milwaukee and that August talks between the teams never gained traction.
- Antetokounmpo said he is locked in with the Bucks for now but allowed he could change his mind in six or seven months.
- Team sources told The Athletic that Jalen Brunson was off-limits for New York, with any Knicks concept more likely to involve Karl-Anthony Towns and wings such as OG Anunoby or Mikal Bridges, who is trade-ineligible until February after his Aug. 1 extension.
- New York’s limited draft capital and contract restrictions were cited as key obstacles to a blockbuster offer, contributing to the closure of exploratory talks for now.
- Commentary remains speculative, as Brian Windhorst said the league views Giannis’ Milwaukee stay as probably short-term, Charles Barkley defended the Bucks’ aggressive offseason, and Zach Lowe discussed only theoretical trade frameworks.