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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 19: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on January 19, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The New York Knicks have been monitoring Giannis Antetokounmpo since the offseason. He mentioned the Knicks as a team that he would be open to playing for at some point. The Bucks decided not to trade him in the summer.
Now, Antetokounmpo has decided that he wants out. Milwaukee will have a lot of teams offer them some big packages. They will sift through those offers and decide which is the best for them, although Antetokounmpo will likely have a say in where he goes.
A pair of trade ideas from Bleacher Report would see the Knicks land Antetokounmpo.
GettyMilwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo dribbles the ball. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Wild Trade Idea has Knicks Land Giannis Antetokounmpo
Here is the first trade proposal:
New York Knicks get: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Thanasis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks get: Karl-Anthony Towns, Miles McBride, Pacome Dadiet, first-round pick swaps in 2026, 2028, 2030, and 2032, and six second-round picks
Bringing KAT in would be a tricky fit next to Myles Turner, who was the big offseason acquisition for the Bucks. Milwaukee would likely try to trade one of those two if this trade were to happen. Getting four first-round pick swaps is certainly attractive.
The Bucks are searching for an All-Star caliber player in return for Antetokounmpo, and Towns would certainly fit that bill. Antetokounmpo has talked about his affinity for the Knicks, so he would likely sign a contract extension with the team in the offseason as well.
If this is a trade that the Bucks aren’t a fan of, the Knicks can offer them a different package that they might like more.
GettyMilwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo looks on. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Another trade idea for the Knicks to land Giannis Antetokounmpo
Here is the second trade proposal, which involves a third team:
Knicks Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jerami Grant
Bucks Receive: Karl-Anthony Towns, Miles McBride, Pacôme Dadiet, a 2026 first-round pick from New York (via Washington), a 2028 first-round pick from Portland (via Orlando), return of swap rights from Portland on 2028 and 2030 first-round picks, and first-round pick swaps from New York in 2030 and 2032
Trail Blazers Receive:Mikal Bridges and Guerschon Yabusele
The Knicks’ adding Grant would allow them to replace Bridges, whom they traded a bevy of first-round picks for. Milwaukee would receive first-round pick swaps from multiple other teams, which might make it a more attractive package for them.
This trade proposal might be a bit much for the Knicks to give up in return for Antetokounmpo. It would hurt their depth, especially because Antetokounmpo is still hurt. They are going to need players to help bring them back up the Eastern Conference standings with him on the shelf.
If New York were able to land Antetokounmpo, they would be immediately looked at as one of the favorites to win the Eastern Conference. Right now, they sit third in the East standings. A healthy Antetokounmpo in the playoffs makes them a lot tougher to knock out.
The Knicks will certainly be one of the teams calling Milwaukee in the next few days.