Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks is still up in the air.
In August, reports revealed that the New York Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks were in trade talks that included star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
If Antetokounmpo were to leave the Bucks, the Knicks are reportedly his only preferred trade destination.
The report also revealed that the Bucks were not satisfied with the Knicks’ initial offer and did not extend negotiations.
What’s interesting about all of this is that Antetokounmpo didn’t shut down Shams Charania’s reporting and responded with mixed messages.
Antetokounmpo acknowledged that leading the Bucks will be difficult, but said he can change his mind about where he wants to be in the future.
This has led to speculation that Antetokounmpo is already planning on leaving the Bucks.
“I’ve said it many times, but I want to be in a winning situation and I’m here now.
“I believe in this team, I believe in my teammates.
“I’m here to lead this team anywhere, but it’s definitely going to be difficult… If I change my mind now, six, seven months from now, I think that’s human too. You’re allowed to make the decisions you want, but I’m trapped. I’m trapped on this team.”
Assuming the Knicks don’t want to trade Jalen Brunson, the strongest offer to make a trade for Antetokounmpo happen would be to add Karl-Anthony Towns.
The Knicks could create a Towns package and attach a ton of draft capital to it. The Knicks would need to include multiple first-round picks in exchange and multiple second-round draft picks.
It’s unclear what the Bucks would like to bring back in a potential Antetokounmpo package, but there’s no doubt they want a star-caliber player on the deal.
It will be interesting to see if the Knicks and Bucks re-sign Antetokounmpo, or if other teams become involved.