One of the most interesting storylines heading into the NBA season is the future Milwaukee Bucks franchise player, Giannis Antetokounmpo. Antetokounmpo has directly stated his goal to win another championship, which raises questions about his future with the Bucks. A new report by a top NBA insider suggests Antetokounmpo had initially made up his mind.
What Went Wrong in the Knicks’ Pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo?
NBA insider Shams Charania revealed the New York Knicks had an opportunity to acquire Antetokounmpo this summer. Charania said, ” There was a two-week period where the Knicks knew Giannis wanted to play there, so did the Bucks. Conversations were happening, and offers were made. It wasn’t finalized, but the Knicks had their shot.”
Speculation may turn to the types of offers the Knicks thought the Bucks would accept for Antetokounmpo. In many situations, teams like the Knicks, who are aware that another player is frustrated with their current organization and would like to come there, generally don’t offer the strongest trade packages.
“There was a 2-week period where the Knicks knew Giannis wanted to play there, so did the Bucks. Conversations were happening, and offers were made. It wasn’t finalized, but the Knicks had their shot.”
– Shams on Giannis Antetokounmpo
(Via @Flagrant2Army, h/t @LeagueAlerts) pic.twitter.com/3BsQ6kZdMJ
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) October 31, 2025
Charania previously reported the Knicks labeled All-NBA point guard Jalen Brunson untouchable in trade talks, so perhaps that was a non-starter for the Bucks. The Knicks may have attempted to build their trade package around their other All-NBA player, Karl-Anthony Towns.
Also Read: Jalen Brunson Made New York Knicks History Against Celtics
It’s possible the Bucks had minimal interest in acquiring Towns, as the team may have pivoted to a rebuild after trading Antetokounmpo. They also signed center Myles Turner to a four-year contract this past July, and while Towns is a better player, having them both on the roster would be redundant.
Antetokounmpo’s frustration with the Bucks mounted due to the team’s disappointing playoff exits over the last three seasons. The Bucks have won only one playoff series since winning the 2021 NBA championship, despite Antetokounmpo playing dominant basketball when healthy. Antetokounmpo could enter free agency after next season, and his future remains one of the league’s top storylines, as the Bucks have no assurances that he’ll stay.
Keep chopping wood. pic.twitter.com/EgzFU5nNZC
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) October 31, 2025
Antetokounmpo didn’t play in the Bucks’ recent 120-110 win over the Golden State Warriors due to left knee soreness. He’s averaging 36.3 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists per game this season while shooting 68.3% from the field. Antetokounmpo is near the top of the league with a 35.6% usage rate, while his current plus/minus rating of 7.7 is the third highest of his career.
The Bucks are currently third in the Eastern Conference with a 4-1 record, which firmly places Antetokounmpo in early MVP conversations. One of the standouts has been sharp-shooting guard AJ Green, who is currently shooting 55.2% from three.
A career year from Green and other members of the supporting cast could increase the likelihood that Antetokounmpo stays with the Bucks.
