The New York Knicks were among the most heavily-linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo throughout the season. Neither the Greek Freak nor his current team the Milwaukee Bucks confirmed it but rumors lived on.
Shams Charania is among the reporters relentless in reporting about Antetokounmpo’s move away from Wisconsin and in his latest scoop, he revealed that the Knicks’ Giannis trade interests were strong.
“They did make offers, but they felt the Bucks didn’t really want to move Giannis. The Bucks, meanwhile, felt the Knicks weren’t making strong enough offers to entertain trading Giannis,” Charania said during an appearance in Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter’s podcast.
There was strong interest from the Knicks. Will they push through with it? Charania said they will set it aside now.
“At the end of the day, they washed their hands of that situation. Now, they’re in the NBA Finals, and I think we can all safely say the Knicks are not going to be one of the teams Giannis will be on next season. There are going to be other destinations for that.”
The Knicks were able to build a team around Jalen Brunson and they are now in the 2026 NBA Finals to face the San Antonio Spurs. Brunson sacrificed around $110 million during his contract extension signing the Knicks brought in players that complement his skills.
The Knicks’ interest is dead for now but it will probably be only get killed ultimately if they win the NBA title.
2 teams chasing Giannis Antetokounmpo
Antetokounmpo did not play much in this ongoing season. His team failed to make the playoffs. He also had some issues with his team late in the regular season after being barred from returning to play. It looks like the road is ready for him to walk away from the Bucks.
There are two teams reportedly still in the play for the two-time MVP’s services.
“More and more, with sources saying Miami [Heat] and Portland [Trail Blazers] are already in pursuit, Antetokounmpo’s future is increasingly expected to be resolved over the next few weeks in conjunction with NBA Draft proceedings,” insider Marc Stein wrote his own site Stein Line.
The Greek Freak has connection with the Blazers as waiting there are his former teammates Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday.
As for the Heat, their biggest asset is the fact that they are in the Eastern Conference. Reports said Giannis will choose to stay in that conference rather than the West where competition is tighter.