For the first time since an ESPN report surfaced this summer that linked Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Knicks, Knicks’ beat writers got to ask the Milwaukee Bucks superstar about it directly.
When asked by Stefan Bondy of the New York Post if the report suggesting he was open to being dealt to the Knicks was true, Antetokounmpo flatly dismissed the story.
"Who said that? I don’t read that. I don’t remember that. Right now I’m here, representing my team and that’s it," Antetokounmpo said after posting 37 points, eight rebounds and seven assists on 16-of-22 shooting in the Bucks’ 121-111 win over the Knicks on Tuesday.
"We beat the Knicks. [The trade rumor] doesn't really matter. What matters right now is we have a game in two days against Golden State, try to stay locked in and get two in a row. I didn't read that article. Try to stay away from all that -- rumors, speculation and trades and all this. It doesn't concern me one bit."
Antetokounmpo and the Bucks went 0-3 against the Knicks last season, so he said his primary concern this year was beating New York.
"Yeah, for sure, there was a lot extra [to this game]. They swept us last year. Swept us," Antetokounmpo said. "They were way better than us last year and we didn’t make it tough for them. It was very easy, in my opinion. And as the leader of this team, I remember. I don't forget things and I try to, from early at shootaround, set the tone for the team and try to remind them 'last year, they swept us, same as the Cavs.' So I think the team responded in the best way, so I'm happy."
The Knicks “were in position to get Antetokounmpo this summer “and they didn’t get him,” according to ESPN NBA Insider Brian Windhorst.
Windhorst suggested it’s possible the Knicks “didn’t offer enough because they believe in this team,” adding, “which is a totally acceptable answer.”
“The Knicks could’ve had Giannis under a certain set of circumstances,” he said this week on ESPN.
The talks reportedly took place after the Knicks agreed to sign Mikal Bridges to an extension. But Bridges is not eligible to be traded until Feb. 1, 2026, per SNY’s Ian Begley.
Antetokounmpo will make about $54 million this season and on Oct. 1, 2026 he becomes eligible for a four-year, $275 million maximum extension through 2030-31, per ESPN.