Giannis Antetokounmpo is staying put to begin the season in Milwaukee but the MVP candidate was interested in playing for a Celtics rival this summer: the New York Knicks. Shams Charania of ESPN.com reports that Antetokounmpo and his reps met with Bucks general manager Jon Horst in July and the All-Star expressed concerns about contending with the Bucks and wanted to explore an “alternative path forward” after spending the first 12 seasons of his career in Milwaukee.
There was no formal trade request from Antetokounmpo but the star forward expressed serious questions about whether the Bucks will have the ability to contend in the foreseeable future following Damian Lillard’s injury and a lack of assets across the roster. The Bucks and Knicks reportedly engaged in trade discussions in August but the Bucks did not believe that the Knicks made a serious offer and ended the talks per Charania.
The Bucks have clearly made attempts to appease Antetokounmpo this offseason with the signing of Myles Turner and bringing back his brother Thanasis Antetokounmpo on a one-year deal for the veteran’s minimum. However, it’s evident the clock is ticking on the future of the Bucks star. Antetokounmpo remains under contract for the 2026-27 season but then has a player option that will allow him to opt out. With three consecutive first-round exits for the Bucks in the playoffs, it’s evident that patience is running thin for Antetokounmpo. The Eastern Conference is wide open this season after injuries to Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton but the Bucks still remain a significant step below other top East contenders like the Cavs, Knicks and Magic from a talent perspective.
The Bucks will be able to offer Antetokounmpo a four-year extension worth $275 million beginning next October, but if the Milwaukee star is unwilling to sign that commitment, it’s fair to wonder whether this will be his last season in Milwaukee. Countless suitors will line up for Antetokokunmpo in both conferences if he ends up formally requesting a trade, but it’s noteworthy from a Celtics perspective that his preference for now remains staying in the East.
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