Giannis Antetokounmpo, Mitchell Robinson, Knicks
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Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks heads for the net as Mitchell Robinson of the New York Knicks defends.
Rumors surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s representation have taken on renewed significance for the New York Knicks, as league insiders connect potential agent movement with long-simmering trade interest involving the two-time NBA MVP.
According to TrueHoop’s Henry Abbott, powerful agent Rich Paul, CEO of Klutch Sports, has been angling to represent Antetokounmpo as uncertainty grows around the Milwaukee Bucks’ direction ahead of the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline. A possible agent change, insiders say, would carry implications far beyond Milwaukee — particularly in New York.
Giannis Agent Drama Tied to Trade Aspirations
Abbott described what he called “real drama” behind the scenes, reporting that Antetokounmpo was close to parting ways with longtime agent Alex Saratsis of Octagon, in part due to frustration over the lack of progress toward a trade.
“So it was alarming to hear a story of real drama, that Giannis was close to firing his longtime agent Alex Saratsis over his failure to get Giannis traded from the Bucks,” Abbott wrote in his Monday Substack.
Abbott noted that agent maneuvering is a constant feature of NBA life, especially around franchise stars. Still, multiple league sources told him there is a legitimate belief Antetokounmpo could soon have new representation — a development that would accelerate trade chatter league-wide.
Adding to the intrigue, Abbott reported that Paul has been in contact with Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Giannis’ brother, in recent weeks — a detail that has fueled speculation across league circles.
Thanasis started his NBA career with the Knicks in 2016 and also played for their G League affiliate at Westchester.
Knicks Previously Named as Preferred Destination
The Knicks’ connection to Antetokounmpo is not new.
Last summer, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Antetokounmpo identified the Knicks as a preferred landing spot during an exclusive negotiating window between New York and Milwaukee. That window ultimately failed to produce traction, but the disclosure reinforced the belief that Madison Square Garden remains high on Antetokounmpo’s list should he exit Milwaukee.
Though Charania later reported that the exclusive window for the Knicks had been shut and the Bucks will open the negotiation with other teams should they elect to trade Antetokounmpo.
Rich Paul, Leon Rose Relationship Adds Knicks Layer
William Wesley, Leon Rose, New York Knicks
GettyExecutive vice president William Wesley (left) and team president Leon Rose of the New York Knicks.
Any potential agent shift involving Antetokounmpo would also intersect with the evolving relationship between Rich Paul and Knicks president Leon Rose.
Paul, who previously had a well-documented rift with Rose during Rose’s tenure at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), has since repaired that relationship. Klutch Sports has quietly resumed business with the Knicks after Paul and Rose squashed their long-standing feud.
For the first time since Cam Reddish’s ill-fated stint in New York, a Klutch client is again on the Knicks’ roster: Jordan Clarkson, who joined the team earlier this season.
According to the New York Post, it was Paul who initiated contact with the Knicks regarding Clarkson — a development league observers viewed as a signal that Klutch and the Knicks were once again aligned.
Clarkson Benching Clouds Paul-Rose Momentum
Rich Paul
GettyRich Paul, Klutch Sports CEO, takes a phone call while sitting courtside in an NBA game.
That alignment, however, may now be under stress.
Clarkson’s recent benching has raised questions around his long-term role and whether the Paul-Rose détente remains as strong as initially believed. While there is no public indication of renewed friction, Clarkson’s usage will be closely monitored as a barometer of the Knicks-Klutch relationship.
That dynamic could matter if Antetokounmpo ultimately changes representation — and if Paul is successful in positioning himself as the agent capable of delivering a superstar to his desired destination.
NBA Rules Allow Agent Switch Before Trade Deadline
As of Monday, Antetokounmpo remains represented by Saratsis.
“The Players Association confirms on Monday: Alex Saratsis is Giannis’ agent,” Abbott wrote. “Teams who are trying to trade for Giannis continue to call Saratsis.”
However, revised NBA Players Association rules now allow a player to switch agents after just a seven-day waiting period, down from 15 days previously, according to Abbott. That timeline leaves open the possibility — however remote — that Antetokounmpo could change representation before the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
League Belief Grows That Giannis Era in Milwaukee Is Nearing End
Publicly, Antetokounmpo and the Bucks have continued to project stability. Even after suffering a calf injury expected to sideline him for four to six weeks, Antetokounmpo recently spoke about making the playoffs with Milwaukee.
Behind the scenes, skepticism persists.
Andscape analyst Marc J. Spears said Monday on NBA Today that he believes Antetokounmpo has already played his final game in a Bucks uniform. Meanwhile, NBA insider Marc Stein reported that multiple teams are still attempting to engage Milwaukee on a Giannis deal ahead of the deadline.
For the Knicks, the confluence of agent intrigue, past trade interest, and repaired front-office relationships has reignited a familiar question: if Antetokounmpo becomes available, would New York finally be positioned to land the franchise-altering star it has long coveted?