Giannis Antetokounmpo expressed interest in the idea of leading the New York Knicks to an NBA championship, according to Ian Begley on The Zach Lowe Show. While he wants to win wherever he plays, the potential of ending New York’s 50-year title drought is a unique draw.
Sources confirm that the Knicks were the only team Giannis considered joining if he were ever traded from Milwaukee. Shams Charania reported that New York’s “exclusive negotiating window” with the Bucks closed after exploratory trade talks in August failed to progress.
Bucks general manager Jon Horst met with Giannis in Greece in late July to reinforce the team’s championship direction. Charania noted, “Jon Horst told Giannis Antetokounmpo in their face-to-face meeting in late July that we can still win here with you.”
Despite Giannis’ intrigue about New York, Milwaukee never seriously considered a trade, according to Charania. Preliminary offers from the Knicks were not deemed strong enough to advance negotiations, effectively closing their window.
The Bucks have focused on roster improvements, including the addition of Myles Turner, to maintain championship aspirations. Charania emphasized that the upcoming season is “somewhat of a make-or-break season” for Milwaukee, with Giannis expected to carry a heavier load on the court.
For the Knicks, the pursuit is over for now. After major trades for Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, the team has limited draft capital remaining, making a potential future acquisition of Giannis more complicated.
Begley’s reporting highlights Giannis’ perspective on New York: while any team would benefit from his drive to win, the opportunity to deliver a title to a city that hasn’t celebrated one since 1973 carries special weight.
As the season begins, Giannis will start in Milwaukee with eyes on both personal performance and team success, while New York must pivot to other strategies to chase a championship.
