The NBA’s biggest “what if” scenario of 2025 just got real. According to Shams Charania, the Milwaukee Bucks and New York Knicks quietly held discussions over a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade this past August and while nothing materialized, it sent shockwaves through league circles. Multiple sources told ESPN that New York was the only team Giannis would have considered playing for outside of Milwaukee.
Per Shams, the Knicks and Bucks engaged in talks for a “window of time” during the offseason, but the negotiations never gained traction. Milwaukee made it clear they didn’t want to move their two-time MVP, while the Knicks reportedly didn’t put forth a strong enough offer to make the Bucks reconsider.
One league source even described it as an “exclusive negotiating window,” but the sense from both sides was that Milwaukee wasn’t truly serious about letting Giannis Antetokounmpo go, and New York wasn’t desperate enough to break the bank.
At Fadeaway World, we’ve mapped out one trade that could change everything: A massive offer that sends Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, key pieces, and draft picks to Milwaukee.
This trade would gut New York’s depth but instantly give them a superteam core of Giannis, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Jalen Brunson: a trio capable of challenging for multiple titles. For Milwaukee, it would provide a foundation to retool quickly around Bridges and Hart, two versatile, defensive-minded wings, while replenishing their draft stock.
Still, the fact that these talks even happened shows just how fragile the Bucks’ situation has become. Antetokounmpo has remained loyal through ups and downs, but as one of the league’s most competitive players, he’s growing restless. The Bucks’ future now hinges on one massive factor: how they start the 2025-26 season.
According to league sources, the opening quarter of the season will decide everything. Milwaukee’s front office knows the pressure is unlike anything they’ve faced before. If the team underperforms early, the odds of Giannis exploring the market or even requesting a trade could rise dramatically.
The timeline is clear. Antetokounmpo will have one guaranteed year left on his contract after this season, putting the Bucks in a precarious position. Starting October 1, 2026, he becomes eligible for a four-year, $275 million maximum extension that would keep him in Milwaukee through 2031.
But if the Bucks stumble or fail to contend, Giannis could easily force his way to a contender next summer, and any team acquiring him would immediately be willing to offer that same max deal six months later.
That’s why the Bucks’ ownership and front office view this season as make-or-break. Giannis Antetokounmpo, now 30, wants to win now. After years of playoff heartbreak, including a disappointing early exit last season, Milwaukee’s margin for error is nonexistent.
The question is whether either side will actually reach that point. If the Bucks start strong and stay near the top of the East, Giannis will likely sign the max extension and reaffirm his loyalty. But if Milwaukee falters, every front office in the league, especially New York will be waiting for the signal.
For now, Giannis Antetokounmpo controls the NBA’s biggest domino. The Bucks’ first 25 games could determine not only their season but the balance of power across the entire league. Should the team stumble, the next “Greek Freak” headline might not be about another MVP, it could be about a move to Madison Square Garden.
