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A franchise-altering trade for Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo does not appear to be on the table for the New York Knicks.
Stefan Bondy of The New York Post reported that the Knicks chances at acquiring the eight-time All-Star were “very unlikely” and that the franchise would not have the proper compensation to offer.
“As a result, a source declared the Knicks’ chances of dealing for Antetokounmpo as “very unlikely,” Bondy wrote. “Their offer would get blown away by the competition.”
NBA insider Marc Stein had reported that the Knicks were a “down-the-line suitor” for Antetokounmpo prior to the Karl-Anthony Towns trade. While Towns could potentially be used in a deal for Antetokounmpo, per Stein, New York has already unloaded significant value to form a core of OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Towns around star guard Jalen Brunson.
There is not much left to move alongside Towns in a potential trade for Antetokounmpo and committing to building depth around the current roster may be a better move in the long run for a Knicks team that is currently 3-4.
Milwaukee has started the season 2-6 and the tough opening stretch has made the thought of an Antetokounmpo trade even possible. He has remained dominant, averaging 31.7 points, 12.9 rebounds and 5.7 assists in seven games, but the struggles around him may signal that a rebuild better suits the organization.
The 29-year-old is under contract through 2026-27 with a player option for 2027-28, per Spotrac. A potential suitor could acquire him with the security of having him for several seasons, so mortgaging significant draft capital and young talent could be worth it and would allow Milwaukee to jumpstart a potential rebuild.
Teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets could meet this demand, with others like the Miami Heat and Brooklyn Nets could be intriguing options as well. The Knicks, on the other hand, will likely look to build on the impressive roster they already possess.
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