Latest Giannis Trade Rumors Amid Links to Knicks, Bucks' Search for Roster Upgrades

The trade speculation surrounding Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has been heating up in recent weeks, but the team reportedly isn't motivated to deal him away.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, league sources said, "Despite a surplus of outside noise, the Bucks have remained steadfast that they want to continue building around Antetokounmpo, and he's not for sale, while actively gauging the trade market for upgrades, including on the wing." Scotto also spoke to "rival executives" who said "they don't believe Milwaukee wants to move him right now."

Milwaukee ranks 11th in the Eastern Conference with an 11-16 record, most recently suffering a demoralizing 45-point loss to the tanking Brooklyn Nets (7-18). Antetokounmpo has been sidelined since suffering a calf injury on Dec. 3.

Despite the Bucks' apparent commitment to keeping Antetokounmpo, Scotto reported that it's "unlikely to keep teams such as the New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets, and others from continuing to monitor Antetokounmpo's situation to varying degrees."

The Knicks (18-7), in particular, are coming off a win in the NBA Cup championship game and could be looking to make a major splash as they try to contend for an NBA title. However, league sources told Scotto that star point guard Jalen Brunson was considered "off the table in trade discussions over the summer for Antetokounmpo." Also, New York's potential trade pieces have proven their worth, as Scotto pointed out that the team has "gone 13-4 with OG Anunoby in the lineup and 10-1 when Josh Hart starts."

It sounds like it won't be easy to pry Antetokounmpo away from the Bucks unless teams like the Knicks make an astronomical offer.

For now, Milwaukee will try to bounce back when it faces the Toronto Raptors (16-11) on Thursday night.