The New York Knicks’ pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo has come to an end. According to Shams Charania on NBA Today, New York’s “exclusive negotiating window” with the Milwaukee Bucks is now shut after weeks of exploratory trade talks in August failed to gain traction.
Charania reported that the Knicks were the one team Antetokounmpo showed interest in joining if he were ever moved from Milwaukee. “The New York Knicks emerged as the team in August that Giannis Antetokounmpo wanted to play for,” Charania said. “If he were to be traded outside of Milwaukee if these two sides could reach an agreement on a deal.”
That possibility, however, has now passed. Charania added that Bucks general manager Jon Horst and Knicks president Leon Rose held “multiple conversations,” but the discussions never advanced beyond preliminary offers. “I was told essentially from one source that this was an exclusive negotiating window that the Knicks had over multiple weeks in August,” he said. “The Bucks believed that the Knicks not even offered deals strong enough to continue these conversations.”
From the Bucks’ perspective, trading Antetokounmpo was never a realistic scenario. “The Knicks believe, I’m told, that the Bucks never seriously considered a trade of Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer,” Charania continued. “And this all stems from the facts that Giannis Antetokounmpo the Bucks still believe is a guy that can help them right now win a championship.”
Charania revealed that Horst met with Antetokounmpo in Greece in late July, reassuring him of the team’s direction. “Jon Horst told Giannis Antetokounmpo in their face-to-face meeting in late July that we can still win here with you,” he said. “But clearly Giannis Antetokounmpo aired his level of concern as well with the roster.”
Despite those concerns, Milwaukee has opted to stay the course. The Bucks believe the additions of Myles Turner and several role players have restored their championship aspirations after parting ways with Damian Lillard.
Charania emphasized that the Knicks’ chance is over—for now. “For the Knicks’ exclusive window, that window has shut,” he said. “When we talk about windows, let’s shut that window because if this ever comes about where Giannis Antetokounmpo going into this season he’s going to start considering his best external options, that window with the Knicks has closed.”
The Knicks had positioned themselves as a potential landing spot since at least 2024, anticipating a moment when Antetokounmpo might explore alternatives. But after major trades for Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, New York has limited draft capital left—only one first-round pick and three swap rights.
As Antetokounmpo begins the new season in Milwaukee, Charania noted that the first quarter of the year will be critical. “Stakeholders within the Bucks organization know this is somewhat of a make-or-break season for them,” he said. “Giannis will be focused, his numbers are going to skyrocket this year with the burden that he’s going to have. But it’s going to come down to wins and losses.”
For now, the Knicks’ door to the two-time MVP has closed—and the Bucks are betting that stability and early-season success will keep it that way.
