Overview

• ESPN reporting says Antetokounmpo explored options this summer and identified the Knicks as the only team he would consider outside Milwaukee.
• The Bucks and Knicks held a multiweek discussion window in August, but no deal gained traction and Milwaukee communicated it preferred to keep its star.
• Sources offered contrasting readouts of the talks, with Bucks insiders saying New York’s offer wasn’t strong enough and Knicks figures believing Milwaukee wasn’t serious.
• New York’s trade capacity is limited after the Bridges and Towns acquisitions, leaving one tradable first-round pick and a few swaps, which complicates any blockbuster bid.
• Antetokounmpo is under contract through at least 2026–27 with a player option and becomes extension-eligible on Oct. 1, 2026, as he monitors the Bucks’ early-season performance.