The Giannis Antetokounmpo trade saga is dead. For now.
An NBA insider said the Greek Freak will start the season with the Milwaukee Bucks, a framing that suggests the rumors are not really dead.
Apr 29, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Apr 29, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
“The Giannis situation has lingered (and is continuing to somewhat linger), but people I’ve talked to are fairly confident Antetokounmpo will start next season with Milwaukee,” The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III wrote.
Edwards III made the comment while discussing New York Knicks’ offseason activities and prospects.
“I also don’t think it’s a coincidence that the Knicks signed Bridges to an extension before Aug. 6.”
Knicks has been constantly linked to the two-time MVP. Giannis is also aware of the incident and publicly discussed it in Youtube video with social media celebrity iShowspeed.
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Mar 28, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) puts up a shot against New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet (44) and New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
“A lot of people have tried to convince me, try to convince me to go and play there [New York] and stuff,” he said.
Knicks are ready for Giannis Antetokounmpo situation
The writer insisted that the Bucks-Antetokounmpo partnership will continue at the start of the season but the Knicks are not giving up. He said that New York are awaiting the eventuality that Antetokounmpo will still be available and testament to that is their decision to extend Bridges before August 6.
“A player who signs an extension can’t be traded for six months. If Bridges signed his extension on Aug. 6 or later, he wouldn’t be eligible to get moved until next summer, as six months from Aug. 6 would take us past the expected February trade deadline,” Edwards III continued.
Mikal Bridges, New York Knicks
Jul 8, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges watches the game between the Las Vegas Aces and the New York Liberty at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
“The fact that Bridges signed before then makes him eligible to be traded, if the Knicks choose to do that, before the deadline.”
These are all, of course, from the POV of those interested in Giannis. The team has clarified several times already that they want to keep their superstar.
Giannis himself also keeps on reminding people that he wants to be a Buck for life, just like in his recent pronouncement.
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