The New York Knicks have been closely monitoring Giannis Antetokounmpo’s status with the Milwaukee Bucks as the offseason approaches, according to <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA reporter James L. Edwards III from The Athletic. Should Antetokounmpo request a trade, the Knicks appear ready to aggressively pursue the superstar, weighing a potential significant roster shift.
Knicks’ Preparation Through Mikal Bridges’ Contract Extension
Earlier this summer, the Knicks secured a four-year, $150 million contract extension for small forward Mikal Bridges before the August 6 deadline, which plays a crucial role in their trade flexibility. Milwaukee is expected to demand Bridges in return for Antetokounmpo, making his eligibility to be traded before the February trade deadline a key strategic move by New York.
James L. Edwards III noted,
“It is my understanding that Leon Rose and company have been monitoring Giannis Antetokounmpo’s situation in Milwaukee very closely, even before the offseason started.”
He added,
“Many around the league believe the Knicks are interested in star hunting, and while that opportunity hasn’t popped up yet, I certainly believe it’s in the cards if the right situation presents itself.”
Regarding Bridges’ extension, Edwards remarked,
“As for the Bridges extension, I don’t think it’s a coincidence that New York waited this long into the summer to get it done.”
He also said,
“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. I also don’t think it’s a coincidence that the Knicks signed Bridges to an extension before Aug. 6.”
A player who signs an extension before the August 6 mark cannot be traded for six months, which means Bridges’ timing increases the Knicks’ ability to use him in a potential deal if the circumstances arise. Edwards commented,
“I don’t believe New York did this because it is without a doubt trading Bridges. I believe Rose and company did this to give themselves some flexibility in the event something — like Giannis wanting out — becomes a possibility.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Legacy and Bucks’ Playoff Challenges
Giannis Antetokounmpo has remained loyal to the Bucks throughout his entire NBA career, leading them to the 2021 NBA championship after a Finals victory against the Phoenix Suns. Since then, however, Milwaukee has struggled in the postseason, managing to win only one playoff series following that title run.
Antetokounmpo is set to earn $54.1 million next season under his recent three-year, $175 million contract extension signed in October 2023. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in league history, boasting two MVP awards, one Finals MVP, one Defensive Player of the Year honor, and nine All-Star selections. His career averages—23.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game—highlight his all-around dominance on the court.
Knicks’ Recent Playoff Success and Future Prospects
New York reached the conference finals for the first time since 2000 during the previous season but fell to the Indiana Pacers in six games. As the Knicks evaluate their next steps, acquiring a transformative player like Antetokounmpo could dramatically shift their competitive outlook and ambitions moving forward.