Overview

• New reporting says Giannis Antetokounmpo explored options this summer, settled on the Knicks as his lone non-Bucks preference, and stopped short of a trade request.
• The teams spoke for a multiweek, exclusive window in August following Bucks GM Jon Horst’s late-July meeting with Antetokounmpo in Athens.
• Milwaukee conveyed it was not looking to trade its franchise player and viewed New York’s proposals as too light, while the Knicks believed the Bucks were never truly open to a deal.
• New York’s ability to bid was constrained after spending multiple first-round picks to acquire Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, leaving limited draft capital and making Bridges unavailable for trade until at least February.
• The Bucks reshaped the roster by waiving-and-stretching Damian Lillard and signing Myles Turner, and multiple outlets note talks could reemerge during the season if circumstances change.