The New York Knicks, known for their willingness to pursue top-tier NBA talent, have shifted their focus away from acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo. Recent developments show that the Knicks have firmly committed to their current roster by signing Mikal Bridges to a four-year, $150 million contract, effectively diminishing chances of a trade involving the two-time MVP. This move suggests Giannis Antetokounmpo’s stay with the Milwaukee Bucks is now solidified.
Financial Decisions Reflect Knicks’ Commitment to Mikal Bridges Over Giannis Antetokounmpo
According to NBA insider Jake Weinbach, the Knicks previously delayed Bridges’ contract extension to maintain salary cap space in case Antetokounmpo became available this offseason. However, with Bridges’ recent agreement finalized, rival teams interpret this as a clear sign that the Bucks star will not be departing. Weinbach explained,
“There were rumors circulating around the league that the Knicks were stalling extension talks for Mikal Bridges in case Giannis Antetokounmpo became available this offseason. Now with Bridges signing a four-year, $150M extension in New York, it’s safe to say that rival teams have accepted the notion that Giannis isn’t leaving Milwaukee anytime soon.”
—Jake Weinbach, NBA Insider
The Knicks’ commitment to retaining Bridges underscores their intent to build a championship-caliber team without making space for the Greek star. With Bridges integrated deeply into their long-term plans, the possibility of Giannis joining New York appears to have vanished.
Why Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Future Is Anchored in Milwaukee
Giannis Antetokounmpo remains the cornerstone of the Milwaukee Bucks, where he has already earned two MVP awards and redefined team supremacy in the NBA. League-wide, franchises kept their options open, hoping the Bucks might consider trading Giannis. Yet, current actions by teams like the Knicks reveal growing acceptance that he will stay put.
Giannis has also observed that moves to other franchises do not guarantee better outcomes, as seen in Damian Lillard’s recent struggles. This realization, coupled with his loyalty to Milwaukee—the team that drafted and developed him—cements his alliance with the Bucks for the foreseeable future.
Impact of Knicks’ Decision on NBA Trade Landscape
With the Knicks solidifying Mikal Bridges’ contract, hopes across the league of a blockbuster trade involving Giannis Antetokounmpo have been significantly dampened. Other clubs interested in reshaping their rosters around the superstar will likely need to pivot their strategies. For now, Giannis’s retention by Milwaukee maintains the existing NBA hierarchy and influences future team-building decisions.
The Bucks’ ability to keep such a high-profile player signals their continued ambition to compete for championships, while the Knicks’ substantial investment in Bridges highlights their dedication to a unified, stable core.