The NBA trade season gained momentum this weekend after weeks of inactivity, marked by a few minor transactions. However, attention remains fixed on the looming possibility of a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade before the February 5 deadline, with the New York Knicks showing limited urgency amid ongoing speculation.
Recent moves included Cleveland Cavaliers sending De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder, while the Portland Trail Blazers acquired Vit Krejci from the Atlanta Hawks for Duop Reath. These small deals broke the near month-long standstill but did little to shift the larger trade landscape. The real center of attention is the two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, whose status with the Milwaukee Bucks dominates trade discussions. The Bucks have now indicated a willingness to consider offers involving Giannis, yet no significant blockbuster trade has materialized as the deadline approaches.
New York’s Hesitance to Pursue Giannis Aggressively
Despite being identified as the top preferred destination for Giannis Antetokounmpo in speculative talks, the New York Knicks currently show little inclination to execute the complex moves needed to finalize a trade. Back in the summer, early conversations between the Bucks and Knicks raised hopes, but they failed to progress into any formal offer. Now, as the February 5 deadline nears, New York’s passivity suggests they are content with their existing roster rather than pushing hard to acquire the star forward.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst shed light on the Knicks’ position by noting,
“The Knicks believe in this team,”
and further explaining,
“They believed in this team last summer when Giannis was loosely available in those discussions. They didn’t make an aggressive offer at the time to progress those talks. If they want to win a bidding war now, I think it’s going to take a 3 or 4 team trade where they take some of their players and get other assets for them, and then come back to the Bucks and make very strong offers. That is just not happening. They are not showing that aggression to get Giannis right now and I think that’s because they like this team.”
Windhorst’s assessment aligns with public signals from the Knicks, including comments from owner James Dolan, who recently expressed confidence in the team’s potential if they remain healthy for the postseason.
The Knicks’ cautious approach is also influenced by their depleted draft assets, having traded many future picks to acquire Mikal Bridges. As a result, assembling the kind of multi-team, high-value package required by Milwaukee to facilitate a rebuild without Giannis is highly challenging in the current window. Moreover, rival teams are typically reluctant to help a competitor secure a superstar, limiting New York’s options further. This strategy sees the Knicks maintaining patience, prepared to re-enter the chase for Antetokounmpo in the summer if he is not moved by the deadline.
With just over three days remaining before the trade cutoff, the Bucks may still find an acceptable offer from another team, which could disrupt New York’s ability to pursue him later. For now, however, the Knicks appear to have adopted a wait-and-see attitude regarding Giannis’ fate.
Dallas Mavericks’ Position on Anthony Davis and Other Trade Rumors
Amid the intense focus on Giannis Antetokounmpo, another prominent player generating trade speculation is Dallas Mavericks center Anthony Davis. Though rumors linking him to other teams like the Atlanta Hawks have surfaced, Davis’ uncertain health and uneven performance history have dampened enthusiasm across the league.
As reported by Marc Stein, the Mavericks remain open to exploring trade possibilities for Davis but feel no urgency to finalize a deal before the deadline. The team appears comfortable retaining him for the remainder of the season, especially since Davis is currently sidelined with a hand injury expected to keep him out at least until after the All-Star break. Interest from the Hawks, particularly after their trade involving Trae Young, has cooled, and aggressive pursuit of Davis now seems unlikely.
Dallas is also witnessing the rise of rookie Cooper Flagg, who is emerging as a promising player, which may influence their willingness to hold steady on roster changes. This combination of factors suggests that the Mavericks will use the remainder of the season to reassess Davis’s value and trade potential when the market reopens more widely in the offseason rather than rushing a late deadline deal.
Trade Market Outlook as Deadline Approaches
With only days left before the NBA’s trade deadline, the league faces a critical period of decisions and possible last-minute moves. Giannis Antetokounmpo remains the pivotal figure capable of shifting the league’s balance, and whether Milwaukee opts for a major trade or retains their superstar will influence many teams’ futures, including the Knicks and Mavericks. The limited trades so far suggest teams are waiting to see how the Antetokounmpo situation resolves before making significant offers or moves.
The Knicks’ current strategy of maintaining faith in their existing lineup while positioning to be top contenders for Giannis this summer reflects a cautious but calculated approach amidst a complex trade environment. Meanwhile, other notable players like Anthony Davis are sidelined from serious trade action, shifting much of the league’s attention toward the Bucks and their decisions.
As the deadline draws near, the outcome of these negotiations will not only determine immediate team fortunes but also set the stage for offseason strategies and league dynamics in the months to come.
Brian Windhorst says the Knicks aren't heavily pursuing Giannis right now by the deadline 👀
"The Knicks believe in this team.. They believed in this team last summer when Giannis was loosely available in those discussions. They didn't make an aggressive offer at the time of… https://t.co/zeXF7C8EJu pic.twitter.com/5BmVjKUz4I
— Heat Central (@HeatCulture13) February 2, 2026
