Giannis Antetokounmpo believed to prefer Knicks in trade scenario

Dec 8, 2025 1:03 PM

Jake Fischer of The People’s Insider reports that there is a “strong belief” circulating among league observers that Giannis Antetokounmpo’s preferred destination, if he were ever to be traded by the Milwaukee Bucks, would be the New York Knicks.

This belief suggests that, above all other potential suitors, the Knicks are viewed as the team Antetokounmpo would be most inclined to join should a trade scenario materialize.

Fischer’s reporting also references earlier information from this week indicating that Antetokounmpo had privately revealed to at least one teammate during the summer that he had come close to getting traded to the Knicks, implying that conversations or frameworks for such a move were more advanced than previously thought.

Even with these hints of interest and past near-movements, rival teams across the NBA are said to be waiting patiently for a definitive signal from Milwaukee.

As Fischer notes, these teams are still reportedly waiting for a clear signal from the Bucks that they are willing to part ways with Antetokounmpo, which underscores how carefully the Bucks are navigating the situation and how hesitant other franchises are to act without explicit permission.

Around the league, executives generally share the belief that Antetokounmpo would prioritize joining a franchise positioned to chase a title.

As Fischer states, executives around the league also believe that Antetokounmpo would be looking to join a team capable of competing for a championship, reinforcing the idea that any hypothetical destination would need both market appeal and a winning infrastructure.

At present, Antetokounmpo’s contract includes a player option for the 2027-28 season, a feature that gives him significant influence over his future.

According to the report, he is expected to use assurances of extending his contract as leverage to dictate potential landing spots should trade discussions begin, meaning his willingness to re-sign would effectively guide which teams pursue him and which teams the Bucks would consider engaging with.