The New York Knicks may already have a star-studded roster, but they haven’t stopped looking for their next big prize. According to James L. Edwards III of The Athletic, the Knicks have been keeping close tabs on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s situation in Milwaukee, and they may be positioning themselves for a blockbuster move if the opportunity presents itself.
“It is my understanding that Leon Rose and company have been monitoring Giannis Antetokounmpo’s situation in Milwaukee very closely, even before the offseason started,” Edwards reported. “Many around the league believe the Knicks are interested in star hunting, and while that opportunity hasn’t popped up yet, I certainly believe it’s in the cards if the right situation presents itself.”
For now, Giannis remains committed to the Bucks, but with major changes happening behind the scenes, including the departure of Damian Lillard and a complete roster overhaul, rival executives are watching closely. And if things go south in Milwaukee, the Knicks are expected to be one of the first teams in line.
Giannis, 30, has spent his entire NBA career with the Bucks. After signing a five-year, $228 million veteran extension in 2023, he’s under contract through at least 2027, with a $62.8 million player option for the 2027-28 campaign.
As he continues to mull over his future with the Bucks, his status as a 9x All-Star, 2x MVP, and former NBA champion has made him the league’s most coveted superstar, and many teams have been keeping tabs on how strong his loyalty is to Milwaukee.
If he does decide to leave, or even force his way out, the Knicks are expected to be among the most aggressive suitors, even after their acquisition of Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets. With averages of 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game last season, Giannis has the potential to raise the Knicks to a whole new level and help them complete their first title run in over 50 years.
Last year, with players like Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart (among others), the Knicks managed a run to the Eastern Finals, and they pushed the Pacers to six games.
With Giannis on the team, they’d be near unstoppable. His interior dominance, coupled with the shot-making of Jalen Brunson, would make an ideal scoring balance, enough to challenge even the greatest defensive teams. Plus, with head coach Mike Brown running the show, Giannis would work with a respected and proven leader who could bring out his best.
In the end, it’s impossible to say where exactly the Knicks are in Giannis’ potential offseason plans, but where there’s smoke, there’s fire. And in this case, the fire is still blazing hot.
If the Knicks stay aggressive and the Bucks falter, New York could find itself in a prime position to land the biggest fish in the NBA. Giannis may not be available today, but with the league’s power structure constantly shifting, it’s never too early to prepare for a seismic move. For a Knicks team desperate to end its title drought, this might be the chance they’ve been waiting for.
