Knicks deem Jalen Brunson untouchable in trades

Oct 10, 2025 4:54 PM

The New York Knicks have made their position clear in any potential pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo: Jalen Brunson is untouchable.

According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, league sources confirmed that when New York and Milwaukee had exploratory conversations in August regarding a possible Antetokounmpo trade, the Knicks immediately ruled out including Brunson in any deal.

Brunson has quickly become the face of the franchise since joining New York in the 2022 offseason. Not only did he ascend to All-NBA status, but he has also cemented himself as one of the most beloved Knicks stars in recent memory.

His decision last summer to sign a four-year, $156.5 million extension – a deal worth about $113 million less than he could have earned had he waited until 2025 – has given the franchise both stability and financial flexibility.

The Knicks believe Brunson’s team-friendly contract will give them a long-term edge over rivals hampered by restrictive second-apron salary cap rules.

While Brunson remains the centerpiece, his role on the court could evolve under new head coach Mike Brown.

Unlike former coach Tom Thibodeau, who relied heavily on Brunson’s isolation scoring and ball dominance, Brown is expected to emphasize more ball movement and a balanced offensive system, which could slightly shift how Brunson operates within the team’s structure.

As for trade possibilities, the Knicks’ discussions with Milwaukee likely centered on a package including Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson.

Mikal Bridges, who was acquired in July, was not eligible to be moved at that time but could become a factor in future conversations.

The uncertainty stems from Antetokounmpo himself.

The Bucks’ superstar has sent mixed signals about his long-term future in Milwaukee, fueling speculation and interest from teams like New York that are positioning themselves for an opportunity should he eventually decide to move on.