The dream of Giannis Antetokounmpo in a Knicks jersey may finally be dead.
According to NBA insider Jake Weinbach, the New York Knicks had reportedly delayed Mikal Bridges’ contract extension in part to keep financial flexibility intact, just in case the two-time MVP suddenly became available. But with Bridges now locked into a four-year, $150 million deal, it’s becoming clear that even rival teams are coming to terms with the truth: Giannis isn’t going anywhere.
“There were rumors circulating around the league that the Knicks were stalling extension talks for Mikal Bridges in case Giannis Antetokounmpo became available this offseason,” wrote Weinbach on X. “Now with Bridges signing a four-year, $150M extension in New York, it’s safe to say that rival teams have accepted the notion that Giannis isn’t leaving Milwaukee anytime soon.”
As one of the most lucrative market teams in the NBA, the Knicks have made a habit of chasing the biggest stars. From LeBron James to Kevin Durant, they’ve tried their hand at dozens of major acquisitions, and Giannis was at the top of their list. Giannis was at the top of the wishlist for several teams, but something has shifted in recent weeks.
With their latest moves, the Knicks no longer have the room for Giannis, effectively ending their ambitions of signing the 2x MVP. Fortunately, they still have a solid, championship-ready roster that includes Mikal Bridges, fresh off a new extension.
While he’s not Giannis, the Knicks were happy to extend Bridges after averaging 17.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game in his first season with the team. Without a new contract, he would have become a free agent next summer, but now he’s locked in for the foreseeable future to help the Knicks compete for a title.
What this means for Giannis Antetokounmpo is that he’s likely committed to the Bucks. Following several years of underwhelming seasons, Giannis’ loyalty was tested this summer, especially when his team waived Damian Lillard from the roster. As his frustration reached new heights, fans and critics around the league speculated that he could force his way out in the pursuit of another championship.
Giannis, a 2x MVP, is the type of superstar that helps define the NBA hierarchy. With career averages of 23.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, his status is undeniable, and teams across the league were preserving their flexibility just on the chance he might become available in a trade.
What teams now realize is that Giannis has no plans to swap jerseys anytime soon. After watching Damian Lillard’s decline, Giannis has seen firsthand that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Instead, he’s going to stick with what he knows and stay loyal to the franchise that drafted him.
With the Knicks fully committed to Bridges and the Bucks recommitted to building around Giannis, one of the league’s most anticipated what-ifs seems to have finally closed. For now, the dream pairing of Giannis and New York appears off the table, and the rest of the league may need to stop waiting for a shake-up that simply isn’t coming.
