Giannis Antetokounmpo isn’t being pursued directly by the Portland Trail Blazers, but he could still end up depending on them to make a key move that helps bring him to the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden.
As talk intensifies about the Milwaukee Bucks potentially shifting toward a full rebuild, league insiders highlight one hard truth: trading Giannis Antetokounmpo alone won’t give Milwaukee the foundation to rebuild without regaining control of its future draft picks. That control now lies with the Portland Trail Blazers, a direct result of the ripple effects from the Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday trades.
If the Blazers are interested in Mikal Bridges as Jake Fischer suggested, we might have a workable Giannis/Knicks outline here.
I imagine Portland wouldn't want to give up Bucks pick control in all three years, but maybe something like this: pic.twitter.com/wdUithPLNv
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) January 24, 2026
NBA insider Sam Quinn suggested that the Portland Trail Blazers could quietly play a key role in a potential Knicks-Bucks blockbuster. The Blazers aren’t chasing Giannis Antetokounmpo as a franchise star; their approach is far more strategic. They aim to use the draft leverage they hold over Milwaukee to improve their own roster.
As Quinn noted, the Trail Blazers’ long-term cap planning matters just as much as the names involved. The Blazers need flexibility heading into 2027 to renegotiate and extend Deni Avdija, whose breakout has changed the franchise’s internal calculus. Portland has already committed money to Shaedon Sharpe and Toumani Camara, making any new long-term salary a careful decision.
The three-team trade between the Bucks, the Knicks, and the Blazers
Jan 12, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) pauses before the start of a game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
That context explains why Mikal Bridges has emerged as the focal point of Portland’s interest.
Portland has targeted Mikal Bridges for years, dating back to Damian Lillard’s early tenure with the team. He aligns seamlessly with their style of play, defending at a high level, logging heavy minutes, spacing the floor, and fitting within the offensive structure. Pairing Bridges with Deni Avdija would create one of the most versatile wing combinations in the conference while preserving the team’s defensive integrity.
Quinn’s proposed framework highlights the financial constraints that make a three-team trade the most feasible path.
Nov 28, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dribbles as New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) defends during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
In this scenario, the New York Knicks would acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Bucks along with Jerami Grant from the Blazers.
The Bucks would receive a mix of established players in Karl-Anthony Towns, Miles McBride, and Pacome Dadiet, plus multiple future first-round picks and pick swaps from both New York and Portland.
Meanwhile, the Blazers would land Mikal Bridges and Guerschon Yabusele from New York, giving each team assets that fit their competitive and financial priorities.