Giannis' Top Trade Landing Spots After Knicks' Rumored Failed Talks with Bucks
The New York Knicks reportedly engaged in trade talks with the Milwaukee Bucks about acquiring superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, but the two sides "never got traction on a deal," per a Tuesday report from ESPN's Shams Charania.
Antetokounmpo, a two-time NBA MVP and nine-time All-NBA player, has played all 12 of his seasons in Milwaukee.
However, Antetokounmpo's Bucks future is in doubt, especially with (a) him being eligible for free agency in 2027, (b) Milwaukee losing in the first round of the playoffs each of the past three seasons and (c) Giannis making it very clear that he wants to compete for championships.
Reports about Antetokounmpo potentially being open to NBA locations outside Milwaukee appeared on May 12 via Charania. On Aug. 4, he said that Antetokounmpo was "evaluating his future."
In addition, Bucks general manager Jon Horst reportedly flew out to Greece to speak with Antetokounmpo about the future and this Bucks team.
"The architect of the Bucks' first title-winning team in 50 years laid out his vision for the 2025-26 season, saying he believed this version of the roster could compete for a championship in the Eastern Conference," Charania wrote.
"Antetokounmpo then responded. After Horst expressed his confidence in the Bucks' roster and his moves, Antetokounmpo aired his concerns about whether this team could truly achieve championship contention, and he wanted to explore whether there would be an alternative path forward for both the team and the player, league sources said."
And now the latest report from Charania indicates that Antetokounmpo had great interest in the Knicks.
"Ever since the NBA draft combine in mid-May, Alex Saratsis, an Octagon managing director and Antetokounmpo's U.S.-based representative, has fielded rampant interest in Antetokounmpo and conducted serious due diligence on best possible outside fits should the star and his reps push to be traded from the Bucks. Several teams were discussed internally, but one emerged as the only place Antetokounmpo wanted to play outside of Milwaukee: theĀ New York Knicks, multiple sources with direct knowledge of the situation told ESPN."
Nothing transpired, but one has to wonder, given all the smoke surrounding Antetokounmpo's future, as to whether his time in Milwaukee could be winding down soon. With that, here's a look at four potential landing spots for Antekounmpo.
New York Knicks
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Although the Knicks couldn't pull something off in August, it's hypothetically feasible that the two sides could revisit conversations down the road.
Charania made clear that New York was "the only place Antetokounmpo wanted to play outside of Milwaukee," per multiple sources. So that fact could benefit the Knicks down the road if they want to get something done.
Now, therein lies the possibility that the Knicks don't need to get something done. They brought back the core pieces of a team that was two wins away from making the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.
Their bench, which struggled at times last year, clearly looks better with the additions of Jordan Clarkson, Malcolm Brogdon and Guerschon Yabusele.
In short, it's possible the Knicks become the clear Eastern Conference contenders with the current crew as constructed.
On the flip side, if the Knicks are floundering next year or clearly a step behind the top of the Eastern Conference pack, one has to wonder if talks start up again. New York is clearly desperate for a championship with this crew, so much so that the team still parted ways with a head coach, Tom Thibodeau, that brought the franchise to heights it hadn't seen in a quarter-century.
We'll see what transpires, but the bottom line is the Knicks shouldn't be counted out of acquiring Antetokounmpo just because it reportedly didn't work out last summer.
Atlanta Hawks
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The Atlanta Hawks look like a potential dark horse contender for the Eastern Conference title. They went to work this offseason, adding some key veterans (Kristaps PorziÅÄ£is, Luke Kennard and Nickeil Alexander-Walker) to a team with bright young stars (Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Onyeka Okongwu) and a four-time All-Star in Trae Young who has averaged about 25 points and 10 assists per game over his seven-year career.
Simply put, Atlanta is ready to take a big leap after just missing the playoffs last year. The table could be set for a run.
Of course, adding Antetokounmpo via trade could make this team an even greater contender, perhaps on par with the likes of the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks for the Eastern Conference crown.
Obviously, the Hawks would have to give up some of their young talent, but they do have a host of future draft picks as well to get it done.
Simply put, if Antetokounmpo wants to compete for a title, Atlanta isn't a bad place to consider given the pieces the team now has following a productive offseason.
Toronto Raptors
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Yes, the Toronto Raptors haven't made the playoffs (or posted a winning season) since 2022, but this team has a young and exciting core and could be on the rise. They might just need a big superstar like Antetokounmpo to build around and truly take that next step.
Former Miami Heat guard Mario Chalmers explained why Antetokounmpo could be a good fit in Toronto.
Toronto has talent, for sure, with Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, Immanuel Quickley and R.J. Barrett leading the way. Toronto also has a new lottery pick (Collin Murray-Boyles) in the mix and a shooter in 21-year-old Gradey Dick, who scored 14.4 points per game last year.
Now, the Raptors would have to part ways with some of this talent to get Antetokounmpo, but they also have all their future first-round picks for the foreseeable future, making a potential deal easier to construct.
San Antonio Spurs
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This team arguably makes the most sense for a hypothetical Giannis deal, because it checks off two big boxes.
Championship contender? Check. If everyone stays healthy, the Spurs could be one within the next couple years, if not this season.
San Antonio is loaded with talent, led by superstar Victor Wembanyama and flanked by De'Aaron Fox, Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, No. 2 overall draft pick Dylan Harper and more.
Draft picks and swaps? Check. The Spurs hold a ton of future draft picks and swaps that could be included to make a deal work.
Plus, the Spurs have the future cap space to get a contract extension done. Of note, the only contract on the books after 2028 belongs to Devin Vassell ($27 million in 2028-29).
Of course, the idea of pairing Wembanyama and Antetokounmpo is tantalizing. They would immediately form the NBA's best frontcourt and would pose an incredible matchup problem for any team in the league.
Obviously, the Spurs would take a roster hit elsewhere due to the talent San Antonio would have to part with in a deal, but this looks like an intriguing home and a great fit on paper.
