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.
The New York Knicks’ pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo may ultimately hinge less on desire than on timing.
As speculation around the Milwaukee Bucks superstar intensifies ahead of the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline, league executives remain divided on whether Antetokounmpo is more likely to be moved now or in the offseason — a split that directly impacts New York’s ability to realistically enter the bidding.
According to NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, there is no leaguewide consensus on how the Antetokounmpo situation will unfold.
“Some (stress: some) teams out there believe that the Bucks are trying to gauge various aspects of Antetokounmpo’s marketplace before giving true consideration to trading him in the summer,” Stein and Fischer wrote Saturday in The Stein Line. “Or to buy themselves even more time to see what happens in May’s draft lottery first amid a growing expectation now that 18–28 Milwaukee could spend the rest of the season prioritizing draft positioning.”
At the same time, Stein and Fischer reported that a competing belief exists.
“Yet it must be noted just as strongly that various teams involved in the Antetokounmpo chase believe that, from his camp’s side, there is a preference to push a trade through before the deadline — even in the absence of a clearly stated public demand for such an outcome.”
Knicks’ Draft Capital Remains the Central Obstacle
For the Knicks, the distinction between a deadline deal and an offseason pursuit is critical.
New York has been linked to Antetokounmpo dating back to last summer, but its limited in-season draft capital remains the primary roadblock. The Knicks currently control only one tradable first-round pick — a top-8 protected 2026 selection from Washington that is projected to convert into second-rounders.
That reality makes it nearly impossible for New York to meet Milwaukee’s reported asking price of premium draft assets and blue-chip young talent before the deadline.
The picture changes in the offseason.
By draft night, the Knicks could unlock access to additional first-rounders — including their own future selections in 2026 and 2033 — providing far more flexibility in assembling a competitive offer if Milwaukee waits.
Why OG Anunoby Looms Large in Trade Scenarios
OG Anunoby injury update, Jalen Brunson injury update, New York Knicks
GettyOG Anunoby is central to the New York Knicks’ pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to league insiders.
Even then, draft capital alone may not be enough.
ESPN insiders Brian Windhorst and Tim Bontemps have previously reported that sending multiple rotation players would not satisfy the Bucks in a potential Antetokounmpo trade.
“The Knicks could send several rotation players instead,” Windhorst and Bontemps wrote, “but that’s not the premium value Milwaukee is chasing in a potential Antetokounmpo deal.”
That reality elevates OG Anunoby as New York’s most intriguing and valuable trade chip.
“Another solution would require a third team to facilitate,” Windhorst and Bontemps added. “Moving Anunoby could return the young players and/or draft picks that Milwaukee covets.”
Anunoby, 28, has never been named an All-Star, but his leaguewide reputation as an elite two-way wing continues to grow.
“Anunoby has never been named an All-Star, but his acquisition could be similar to what Derrick White provided Boston after arriving from San Antonio,” Windhorst and Bontemps wrote. “Similar to White, Anunoby could be the finishing player for a title contender and would drive plenty of interest if he were made available.”
Knicks Stay Focused Amid Trade Noise
The Knicks acquired Anunoby during the 2023–24 season in a deal with Toronto that sent RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley north, a trade that reshaped the franchise’s core around Jalen Brunson. They doubled down last summer by re-signing Anunoby to a five-year, $212.5 million contract.
Despite the swirl of speculation, New York has continued to win.
After the Knicks’ fifth straight victory — a 127–97 rout of the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday — head coach Mike Brown emphasized the team’s internal focus amid external noise.
“We understand that we have no control over the noise out there, so we have to have a bunker mentality,” Brown said. “Not just at the trade deadline but all the time. You just try to stay together and keep getting better.”
Whether that path eventually leads to Antetokounmpo may depend less on New York’s ambition than on when Milwaukee — and Giannis — decide the time is right.