Giannis Antetokounmpo has widened the range of teams he’s willing to consider in trade talks after briefly focusing solely on the New York Knicks during a short window last summer.
Rather than limiting discussions to one franchise, the two-time MVP is now expected to be open to multiple destinations.
The Bucks and Knicks held conversations months ago when New York was the only team Antetokounmpo wanted to consider outside Milwaukee.
However, sources told ESPN that the Knicks never believed the Bucks were truly prepared to move their franchise star at the time, while Milwaukee officials felt New York didn’t make a strong enough offer to continue talks.
Despite picking up the Knicks’ call during that exclusive window, the Bucks maintained through the early part of the season that Antetokounmpo was unavailable.
That position has since shifted. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday that Milwaukee is now engaging with teams on potential Antetokounmpo deals, opening the door to the possibility that the 31-year-old, currently sidelined with a calf strain, may have played his final game with the team that drafted him in 2013.
League sources have long believed the player would need to push harder to force an exit. His willingness to move beyond the Knicks represents a notable change and reflects his focus on championship contention.
“I just want more,” Antetokounmpo said earlier this season. “I want to win another championship … You got to play to win. I don’t play to be around and get paid.”
That mindset complicates trade talks, as any acquiring team would need to give up significant assets while still maintaining a roster capable of contending.
With Antetokounmpo able to reach free agency as early as 2027, teams must balance the cost of acquiring him with the need to convince him to commit long-term.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Opens Door To Multiple Teams After Summer Focus On Knicks https://t.co/uP9QrLEzyJ
— RealGM (@RealGM) January 28, 2026
