Will Knicks Seek Giannis Trade Again? Shams Talks 'Exclusive Negotiating Window' Fail

Giannis Antetokounmpo, his agent Alex Saratsis and the Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly having discussions about the superstar's future, whether it be in town or being traded elsewhere, per ESPN's Shams Charania.

With a "resolution" expected "in the coming weeks," it could be a sign that Antetokounmpo may be available before the Feb. 5 trade deadline.

And with all that in mind, Charania harkened back to the summer, when he reported that the New York Knicks and the Bucks had trade talks on Antetokounmpo before they broke down.

"Essentially, there were failed trade talks in August," Charania told ESPN's Malika Andrews on NBA Today. "There was a multi-week exclusive negotiating window for the New York Knicks as it was described to me on a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade. They were aware, the Bucks were aware, the parties that needed to know were aware that Giannis Antetokounmpo, if there was a team outside of Milwaukee, he wanted to play for the Knicks. No deal happened."

Charania also wrote about that exclusive negotiating window today but noted that's not going to transpire from this point on.

"Over the offseason, Antetokounmpo explored external options and was open to playing for one team outside of Milwaukee -- the New York Knicks -- as a potential trade home. Sources described it as an exclusive negotiating window for the Knicks over a multiweek period in August, but that will not be the case moving forward."

Antetokounmpo, who turns 31 years old, is playing in his 13th NBA season. He has a treasure trove of accolades, including two NBA MVP awards, an NBA championship, nine All-Star Games, five All-NBA Defensive Team honors and seven straight (and counting) spots on the All-NBA First Team.

He hasn't slowed down in 2025-26, averaging 30.6 points, 10.7 rebounds and 6.4 rebounds in 16 games. Unfortunately, Antetokounmpo has been out six games due to injury, including four with a low-grade left groin strain. However, he's been fantastic when healthy.

That being said, the Bucks have struggled without him, going 1-5 in his six absences. They haven't fared particularly well with him, though, at 8-8 (9-13 overall).

Since winning the 2021 NBA Finals, Milwaukee has now earned just one playoff series victory in 2022. The Bucks have dealt with three straight first-round playoff exits, and it's possible this year's team may not even make the postseason.

Antetokounmpo has made it abundantly clear he wants to play for a contender, per Charania.

"During training camp before the start of the season, Antetokounmpo acknowledged the temptation of joining another team, reiterating a desire to compete for a championship. So even though he emphasized his commitment to Milwaukee at the start of the year, he left a window open stating that it would be 'human to change his mind.'"

Milwaukee did start strong at 8-5 but has now lost eight of nine. Charania wrote about the losing streak, the toll it's taking and what may be ahead.

"Several sources have characterized the losing as frustrating for Antetokounmpo and the team's front office, coaches and the rest of the players. But one source with direct knowledge of the situation described it as 'the writing is on the wall' on the inevitable outcome for Antetokounmpo unless there is a dramatic turn of events in the Bucks' season."

That 1-8 stretch has been capped by a 129-126 loss to a 3-17 Washington Wizards team. Given everything that's transpired, it may not be a surprise to see Antetokounmpo playing elsewhere soon enough. New York should certainly be considered an option given the reported mutual interest, but other teams would undoubtedly be in the mix as well.