The New York Knicks have high hopes for the 2025-26 season, but that doesn’t mean they have tunnel vision on the long-term future of their current roster. Accordingly, months after initial reports of Giannis Antetokounmpo exploring his options outside of the Milwaukee Bucks, the Knicks remain a top candidate to land the two-time MVP winner.
After the recent struggles with the Bucks, including early playoff exits, injuries, and trading players away, Antetokounmpo said he is still looking to win more championships in his career, even if that means leaving Milwaukee. Though he has yet to officially request a trade, the Knicks have been atop many lists as potential landing spots for the Greek superstar.
Writing for ClutchPoints, Rohan Brahmbhatt stated that the Knicks landing Antetokounmpo would be a ‘dream scenario,‘ especially if they were able to keep both Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
For the Knicks, Giannis would be more than a trade target; he would be a transformational force,” Brahmbhatt wrote. “Pairing him with Brunson and Towns would instantly create one of the most dominant trios in basketball.”
While Milwaukee is at an uncertain point in both their franchise and subsequent relationship with Antetokounmpo, many teams are expected to make a push for the 2021 Finals MVP either soon or closer to when his contract ends in 2027.
A Possible Antetokounmpo And Knicks Fit
The Knicks have their most competitive roster in 25 years. With one of the best starting lineups in the NBA, they expect to contend for the championship next season after their Eastern Conference Finals run last season.
But as Brahmbhatt mentioned, having a strong roster with depth doesn’t guarantee any success. That’s why, if he becomes available, he urged the Knicks to do everything they can to land Antetokounmpo. He highlighted that, along with being a perfect fit, Antetokounmpo would allow the Knicks‘ other stars to shine.
“The fit under Mike Brown would be seamless,” he wrote. “Giannis thrives in transition, and with Brunson’s quick decision-making and the Knicks’ collection of wings, the team could become one of the most dangerous fast-break squads in the league. In half-court settings, Giannis would alleviate pressure from Towns, allowing the big man to operate more comfortably as a floor-spacer.”
On a personnel basis, Antetokounmpo would both benefit from and complement the play-style of Brunson and Towns. He would also come in as a defensive anchor for a team that lacks any true frontcourt rim protection. But all of that being said, Antetokounmpo wouldn’t go to the Knicks for free.
New York would likely have to give up a large number of assets and other players to add him, but still, Brahmbhatt wrote that the Knicks should jump at the chance to add a ‘face of the league’ superstar.
“Of course, acquiring Giannis would require a historic haul of assets, likely including multiple unprotected first-round picks and some combination of young players,” he added. But if the Bucks falter and Giannis signals openness to a move, the Knicks have both the resources and the market appeal to make it happen.
Time Ticking With The Bucks
An Antetokounmpo trade to the Knicks, or any other team for that matter, would require the Bucks to be on board. The ‘Greek Freak‘ led the team to its first title in 50 years and has been one of the most significant players in the history of the franchise. That means moving on from him would be a lot easier said than done.
Antetokounmpo has proven consistent, regardless of the team around him. He has finished in the top five in MVP voting in each of the last seven seasons and has helped Milwaukee reach the postseason in each of the last nine seasons.
But regardless of his consistency, Milwaukee is in a different scenario for the upcoming year than it was in previous seasons.
Following the Damian Lillard buyout and only bringing in Myles Turner, the Bucks’ roster pales in comparison to other Eastern Conference hopefuls. They kept Kyle Kuzma, and Bobby Portis, but their lack of a true point guard could spell disaster in 2025-26.
“Someone will need to step up and emerge as a real No. 2 threat next to Antetokounmpo if his long-term future is to be with the Bucks,” Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints wrote.
He’s remained loyal throughout his career, but if the team continues to fall, a trade request could come sooner than many expect.
If that ever comes to fruition, the Knicks have the assets and recent roster transactions to prove they will do a lot to land the biggest available stars. Antetokounmpo will be a hot commodity if he either requests a trade or enters the last season of his contract, meaning Milwaukee could get a historic haul for their franchise player.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Remains ‘The Dream Scenario’ For Knicks