The New York Knicks emerged early in the NBA season as a potential destination for Giannis Antetokounmpo amid widespread trade speculation. Despite the Milwaukee Bucks retaining their star player past the trade deadline, discussions continue about a future where Antetokounmpo could join the Knicks’ roster in New York. This ongoing speculation gained renewed attention due to analyses reflecting on what might have happened if Kevin Durant’s critical shot during the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals had landed differently.
A recent ESPN article explored a hypothetical scenario, positing that if Durant’s shot against the Bucks had counted as a three-pointer, NBA insiders suggest the Knicks may have successfully acquired Antetokounmpo following Milwaukee’s postseason elimination. This alternate timeline envisions a dramatically different trajectory for both franchises and for the dynamics around the NBA.
In the (Nets Championship Universe), Antetokounmpo has had enough…The time has come to trade the NBA’s biggest star in his prime,
wrote Zach Kram in outlining this theoretical trade.
In a summer of blockbusters — the Timberwolves still trade for Gobert, and the Cavaliers still trade for Donovan Mitchell in the NCU — the biggest involves Antetokounmpo, who heads to New York for a package headlined by Julius Randle, RJ Barrett and a boatload of picks.
Imagined Knicks Deal for Giannis Sparks Debate Among Analysts
The reasoning behind this imagined trade centers on Antetokounmpo’s frustration following yet another disappointing playoff exit, which would presumably motivate him to leave Milwaukee. In this alternate reality, the Knicks capitalize on their best current assets to build a formidable team around the Greek star.
In reality, the Knicks used those assets to acquire OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, but New York combines them in the NCU for a player who immediately becomes the Knicks’ brightest star in half a century,
Kram added, emphasizing the transformative effect Antetokounmpo could have for New York’s franchise.
Though the proposal may appear far-fetched, the possibility is grounded in earlier reports of Giannis’s openness to exploring options away from Milwaukee. Prior to the last NBA season, rumors circulated that the forward had expressed interest in potentially joining the Knicks.
Industry insiders have observed how the Knicks’ front office, led by Leon Rose, has consistently monitored Antetokounmpo’s situation as part of their strategy to elevate the team’s competitive status since Rose’s hiring in 2020. This monitoring has extended over several years, reflecting a long-term ambition to secure a genuine superstar.
The Knicks have had an eye on Antetokounmpo for the past couple of years under president Leon Rose, who heads a front office that built the franchise into a perennial playoff contender since taking over in 2020,
reported Shams Charania in October.
People in league circles, including some in New York, have believed since 2024 that Antetokounmpo would eventually want to come to the Knicks if he ever explored a trade.
While purely theoretical at this point, the prospect of the Knicks pursuing Antetokounmpo appears more plausible amid the ongoing speculation, as opposed to being a far-off fantasy.
Knicks Remain in Mix Despite Uncertain Outlook for Giannis
Although many Knicks fans might consider an Antetokounmpo trade unlikely, the team remains a significant contender to acquire him this offseason. Notably, the Knicks were among several teams linked to Giannis before the recent trade deadline, and fresh comments from Milwaukee teammates suggest the Greek forward’s future with the Bucks remains undecided.
Bobby Portis, a forward for Milwaukee, spoke candidly on FanDuel TV’s Run It Back show when asked about his confidence in Giannis staying with the Bucks next season. His response conveyed uncertainty about the team’s prospects and the player’s commitment.
“I’m at a five, bro,” Portis said regarding his confidence level on a scale of one to ten.
Like, for real, it’s up in the air, man… Since I’ve been here in 2020, the goal has always been a championship. So I don’t know what that outlook is for next year.
This offseason holds the potential for significant changes, especially since Giannis is eligible to sign a lucrative contract extension beginning October 1. Should he signal disinterest in re-signing with Milwaukee, it would likely prompt the Bucks to entertain trade offers from teams actively pursuing him, including the Knicks.
Given Giannis’s previously stated curiosity about playing at Madison Square Garden, New York may have an advantage over other interested franchises such as the Golden State Warriors or the Los Angeles Lakers. This factor makes the Knicks a consistently serious player in the ongoing pursuit of one of the NBA’s top talents.
Implications of a Potential Giants-Knicks Trade for the NBA’s Future
A trade involving Kevin Durant, the Knicks, and Giannis Antetokounmpo would reshape not only the fortunes of the franchises involved but also alter the competitive landscape of the NBA. Such a move could elevate the Knicks into championship contention while compelling other teams to adjust their strategies in response to the shift in star power.
While the scenario remains hypothetical for now, market dynamics, player preferences, and team strategies suggest that the possibility of such a blockbuster trade cannot be dismissed in the coming months. The Knicks’ front office, led by Leon Rose, will likely remain vigilant and proactive in exploring all routes to secure a transformative player to solidify their status as playoff contenders.
As the offseason progresses, fans and analysts alike will keep a close watch on developments related to Antetokounmpo’s status with Milwaukee and the Knicks’ continuing interest, understanding that these movements often set the course for the NBA’s next several years.
New York emerged as the only team Giannis Antetokounmpo desired outside of Milwaukee in the offseason, sources told ESPN, and the Knicks and Bucks engaged in talks for a window of time.
Inside the clouds leaving Giannis' future hanging in the balance: https://t.co/yxcmDnzQ6K
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 7, 2025
Bobby Portis spends more time with Giannis than most, and even he doesn’t know if they’ll be Bucks teammates next season 👀🤷♂️
Bobby expects this offseason to bring plenty of uncertainty to Milwaukee if a championship isn’t won…
But the known jokester will probably appreciate… pic.twitter.com/EM2d7Emhi7
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) March 9, 2026
