At the outset of the NBA offseason, the New York Knicks were mentioned as a potential landing spot for a Kevin Durant trade, who ended up on the Houston Rockets instead. But that doesn’t mean the Knicks may be done hunting for some big game.
Specifically, they could be playing the waiting game when it comes to acquiring a different superstar this offseason.
According to ESPN’s NBA insider Brian Windhorst, the Knicks, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, and Miami Heat could all be waiting to see if Giannis Antetokounmpo becomes available this offseason.
"I honestly do not see how the Bucks are going to be a team at the end of the week, we look at and say that's a guaranteed top-4 team"
—@WindhorstESPN speaks on the uncertain future for the Bucks and Giannis 😳 pic.twitter.com/ix1wKUsRXB
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) June 30, 2025
The Rockets have already swung one blockbuster trade, but they managed to hold onto a lot of their future assets, including several tradeable first-round picks that could appeal to the Milwaukee Bucks. Plus, now that Durant has joined an existing contender, other players could view the Rockets as a more attractive landing spot.
Meanwhile, the Knicks have already reached the Eastern Conference Finals, showing how ready they are to compete for a championship ring. Perhaps the Greek Freak feels he can be the missing piece to a championship run.
As for the Heat and Spurs? San Antonio boasts an intriguing young core led by Victor Wembanyama, Dylan Harper, and Stephon Castle. Miami is always chasing superstars, and Antetokounmpo would instantly become the face of the franchise in South Beach. All in all, he has a lot of interesting potential landing spots, should the Bucks decide to negotiate.
Related: 2025 NBA free agency bold predictions: Who’s signing where?
Sports fan since birth. I am also passionate about cars, music, and anything funny. Minnesotan, born and raised. Maybe ... More about Andrew Buller-Russ