Knicks' James Dolan Reacts to Giannis Trade Rumors Ahead of 2026 NBA Deadline

Giannis Antetokounmpo's name has been swirling in trade rumors as of late, but it appears the New York Knicks aren't interested in trading for the star this time around.

Knicks owner James Dolan said Monday that he's not aware of any trade discussions between the Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks.

"Not that I'm aware of. We love our team right now. They have chemistry, they all like each other," Dolan said, per the New York Post's Stefan Bondy. "I've never seen a locker room more copacetic. There's a lot of energy there. Leon can always overrule me. But I don't see us making a big change. Because we got to keep building up this group. This group can win a championship. I believe that."

For most of the summer, there were questions about whether the Bucks would move on from Antetokounmpo, and the Knicks appeared to be one of the top pursuers of the two-time MVP.

The two sides reportedly got close to a deal in August, but Charania reported last month that the trade talks "failed."

"Essentially, there were failed trade talks in August," Charania said 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 reported in December that Antetokounmpo and his agents had discussions with Milwaukee about his future and whether staying with the Bucks was his best option, though Antetokounmpo denied having such conversations.

"I personally have not had the conversation with the Bucks," he told reporters. "I'm still locked in. Locked in on my teammates."

The deadline is still a month away, so plenty can happen, but recent reports indicate that Antetokounmpo is staying put, at least until the offseason. Dolan's comments indicate that the Knicks won't make a move for him, even if he does become available.

Obviously, Antetokounmpo would make any team better, but the Knicks are in good shape right now, sitting in second place in the East at 23-12. It appears Dolan doesn't want to make any drastic changes after the early success.