Shams Says There Was '2-Week Period' Where Knicks Knew Giannis Wanted Trade from Bucks

The New York Knicks had a small window this summer when they could've pounced on a trade for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

Appearing on the Flagrant podcast (via HoopsHype), Charania said that "there was a two-week period where the Knicks knew Giannis wanted to play there, so did the Bucks."

"Conversations were happening, and offers were made," the NBA insider said starting at the 1:18:55 mark. "It wasn't finalized, but the Knicks had their shot."

Brian Windhorst, Charania's colleague at ESPN, reported something similar earlier this month when he said the Knicks "could've had Giannis under a certain set of circumstances."

Knicks fans are probably ruing the team's approach after Antetokounmpo had 37 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in a 121-111 win over New York this week. It was also tough to ignore the symbolism behind his rallying cry of "This is my city."

Giannis: This Is My City

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The Knicks may not have a better opportunity to land the nine-time All-Star than they did this offseason. Refraining from yet another blockbuster trade was a perfectly defensible strategy by the front office, though.

The roster didn't have a lot of time to settle after RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley were sent to the Toronto Raptors in the deal for OG Anunoby before Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns joined the mix. Acquiring Giannis would've been another major change as New York is simultaneously adjusting to a new head coach with Mike Brown.

Teams in the NBA don't win on raw talent alone; otherwise, the superteam blueprint would've been more successful. Continuity can go a long way, and that hasn't been a strength for the Knicks the last two years.

If the 2025-26 season ends in another disappointing playoff exit, then the front office should consider drastic measures. For now, nobody can say for sure what the Knicks' ceiling is in a wide-open Eastern Conference. They might already have enough to make a Finals run.