The New York Knicks declined to meet the Milwaukee Bucks’ asking price during their quiet late-offseason negotiation window regarding Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to multiple reports, including a telling claim from Fox32 Chicago’s Lou Canellis.
Speaking on 670 The Score, Canellis revealed Antetokounmpo had identified New York as his “first choice” if he were to leave Milwaukee, but negotiations stalled early.
“A few months ago, Giannis wanted to be traded,” Canellis said. “His first choice: New York with the Knicks. Knicks wouldn’t move off — would not offer more than just Karl-Anthony Towns.”
Photo by Elsa/Getty ImagesMilwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo defends Karl-Anthony Towns of the New York Knicks.
Canellis suggested the Knicks held firm, refusing to offer a larger return. From Milwaukee’s side, that package was a non-starter for a two-time MVP still viewed as the franchise cornerstone.
Shams Charania: Knicks Were Antetokounmpo’s Preferred Destination Outside Milwaukee
The reporting aligns with ESPN’s Shams Charania, who wrote in October that New York emerged as the lone preferred market outside Milwaukee as the Bucks and Knicks engaged in weeks of conversation.
Charania described the talks as an “exclusive negotiating window,” though no proposal advanced.
“The Bucks insisted they preferred not to move Antetokounmpo,” Charania wrote in October, “but those in Milwaukee believe New York did not make a strong enough offer to continue even discussing a trade.”
Why the Knicks Hesitated: Leverage, Depth, and Jalen Brunson Untouchable
SNY’s Ian Begley added more context on Wednesday, noting that the Knicks recognized how steep the price would be to land the Greek Freak.
“It would take a lot to get Giannis to New York,” Begley said from Madison Square Garden. “It would take Giannis forcing the issue via his contract, or Milwaukee working with him on the way out — which seems less likely.”
Just as notable: The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported back in October that Jalen Brunson was considered untouchable, shaping the sides’ respective negotiating positions.
The Knicks were also prohibited from including Mikal Bridges in any trade after he signed a four-year, $150 million extension before the exclusive trade window for Antetokounmpo opened up. Bridges’ trade restriction will be lifted in late January.
New York was mindful of the depth cost, concerned that mortgaging multiple starters and draft capital could leave the franchise top-heavy.
“Knicks like their team right now. They’re excited about what they’ve seen,” Begley added. “Knicks did make a real offer for Giannis over the summer. Now, let’s see how this plays out over the next few weeks.”
Giannis Believed Deal Was Close; Future Talks With Milwaukee Have Begun
Fueling the intrigue, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported this week that Antetokounmpo believed a Knicks trade was close last summer.
“Multiple sources insisted Giannis told a Bucks teammate he believed a trade to the Knicks was close,” Fischer wrote on The Stein Line.
The rumor cycle reignited Wednesday when Charania reported that Antetokounmpo and agent Alex Saratsis formally opened discussions with the Bucks regarding his future as the team sits 9–13 and unexpectedly outside the East playoff picture.
“Conversations have started,” Charania posted on X. “A resolution is expected in the coming weeks.”
Hours later, Antetokounmpo suffered a calf strain expected to sideline him two to four weeks, amplifying uncertainty around a team searching for stability.
Knicks Staying Patient — For Now
Meanwhile, New York improved to 16-7 and remained second in the East after a 106–100 win over the Magic on Sunday, but not without complications — the team announced Towns was out with left calf tightness, a reminder of the fragility that accompanies star-centric plans.
The Knicks may not have crossed the line last summer — but the line is still there, drawn firmly, publicly, and with the understanding that the Antetokounmpo landscape may shift again.
Whether New York redraws that line will depend on Milwaukee’s direction, Antetokounmpo’s leverage — and how long patience remains a strategy rather than a stance.
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