Giannis Antetokounmpo Confirms Knicks Trade Rumors

The Bucks star admits the two teams discussed a potential deal before the season.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:08am

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Giannis Antetokounmpo has confirmed that the Milwaukee Bucks and New York Knicks discussed a potential trade involving the two-time NBA MVP before the start of the current season. Antetokounmpo revealed the trade talks in an interview with the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, stating that the Knicks were the only team he would be willing to be traded to.

Why it matters

The confirmation of these trade discussions adds further intrigue to Antetokounmpo's future in Milwaukee, as the Bucks have struggled mightily this season and are now shutting down their star player due to a knee injury. With Antetokounmpo's contract set to expire after next season, the Knicks could emerge as a frontrunner to acquire the generational talent if the Bucks decide to move him this offseason.

The details

According to the report, the Bucks and Knicks discussed a potential Antetokounmpo trade before the start of the 2025-26 season. While the talks did not progress to any serious stages, the mere fact that they occurred was enough to ignite significant speculation around the superstar's future. Antetokounmpo confirmed the trade discussions, stating that the Knicks were the only team he would be willing to be traded to.

  • The Bucks and Knicks discussed a potential Antetokounmpo trade before the start of the 2025-26 NBA season.
  • The Bucks have now shut down Antetokounmpo for the remainder of the season due to a knee injury.

The players

Giannis Antetokounmpo

A two-time NBA MVP and the centerpiece of the Milwaukee Bucks franchise.

New York Knicks

An NBA team based in New York City that has been rumored to be interested in acquiring Antetokounmpo.

Milwaukee Bucks

The NBA team that currently employs Giannis Antetokounmpo and has discussed trading him to the Knicks.

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What they’re saying

“Because I didn't know how the season was going to unfold. There were a lot of rumors about me. There was a lot of a uncertainty about me – from both sides.”

— Giannis Antetokounmpo

“I've never seen a case of a player saying, my caliber of player, that's like — I'm saying it publicly — I want to (expletive) play. You know what I'm saying? I don't think I've seen this. So, if there needs to be an investigation, great. There should be. I don't know. There should be. Until we figure something out.”

— Giannis Antetokounmpo

What’s next

The NBA is currently investigating the Bucks' decision to shut down Antetokounmpo for the remainder of the season, despite the player's desire to continue playing. This situation will likely be a major storyline leading up to the offseason, as Antetokounmpo's future with the Bucks remains uncertain.

The takeaway

Giannis Antetokounmpo's confirmation of trade discussions between the Bucks and Knicks before the season adds significant intrigue to the superstar's future. With the Bucks struggling and Antetokounmpo's contract set to expire, the Knicks could emerge as a prime destination if Milwaukee decides to move the two-time MVP this offseason.