Earlier this season, the New York Knicks emerged as the first team mentioned as a possible landing spot for Giannis Antetokounmpo in trade discussions. The Bucks ultimately kept their star through the trade deadline, but there was a time years ago when a scenario existed that could have sent the Greek Freak to New York.
A recent ESPN article explored the potential ripple effects if Kevin Durant’s foot had been behind the line on his shot against the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 7 of the 2021 Eastern Conference semifinals.
In that alternate scenario, NBA insiders said the Knicks likely would have pursued a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo after a Milwaukee playoff exit. Instead, the Bucks survived the series and the Greek star went on to lead the team to an NBA title.
“In the NCU (Nets Championship Universe), Antetokounmpo has had enough. The two-time MVP is now 27 years old and eager to win, but he still hasn’t reached the Finals, and Milwaukee, which has traded all its picks for Holiday and Turner in consecutive seasons, has no more cards left to play. The time has come to trade the NBA’s biggest star in his prime,” Kram wrote in his article.
Giannis Antetokounmpo joins the Knicks in weird hypothetical
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
ESPN suggested the Knicks would have pursued a deal for Antetokounmpo because he might have pushed to leave Milwaukee after what would have been another disappointing playoff exit. In reality, New York used its top assets in the years that followed to shape its current roster, but in this alternate scenario where Durant’s foot was behind the three point line, the Knicks would have pushed all their chips in for the Bucks superstar.
While it remains only a hypothetical, the steady stream of Antetokounmpo trade rumors in recent months makes the idea of the Knicks pursuing the two time Finals MVP seem far less far fetched than some of the other scenarios ESPN outlined if Durant’s potential game winner in 2021 had counted as a three.
Oct 28, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) takes a shot against New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) in the first quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
The Knicks, much like they were in the months leading up to the trade deadline, are expected to pursue Antetokounmpo again this summer.
Other teams will likely enter the mix, but New York could hold an advantage after the star publicly shared his interest in playing at Madison Square Garden, potentially giving the Knicks an edge over franchises such as the Golden State Warriors or Los Angeles Lakers in any trade pursuit.