Overview

• ESPN reporting says the Bucks and Knicks held an exclusive negotiating window in August, but discussions produced no traction as Milwaukee signaled it preferred not to trade him.
• Multiple outlets cite sources saying New York was the only team Antetokounmpo would consider outside Milwaukee, shaping how suitors approached the offseason.
• Antetokounmpo met Bucks GM Jon Horst in Greece in late July to raise concerns about the team’s title viability, then told reporters he is "locked in" but may reassess in roughly six to seven months.
• New York’s ability to offer value is constrained after deals for Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, leaving one tradable first-round pick plus three swaps, with Bridges ineligible to be traded until February.
• Milwaukee reinforced a win-now posture by waiving-and-stretching Damian Lillard and signing Myles Turner, moves that underscore cap limitations and a desire to compete with Antetokounmpo still on the roster.