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7 hours ago
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The 2025 NBA offseason was filled with excitement — from Cooper Flagg’s arrival to debates about a “wide-open” Eastern Conference, and even the Golden State Warriors’ decision to make minimal roster adjustments. Yet, no storyline loomed larger than the uncertain future of Giannis Antetokounmpo and his status with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Following Milwaukee’s first-round exit to the Indiana Pacers, speculation quickly swirled that Antetokounmpo had one foot out the door and a trade request was inevitable. Among all the potential suitors, one team stood out above the rest — the New York Knicks. A move that would’ve placed the Greek Freak in the NBA’s biggest market had fans and analysts buzzing.
According to ESPN Senior Insider Shams Charania, the possibility was far more real than most knew. Appearing on Andrew Schulz’s FLAGRANT podcast, Charania revealed that the Knicks’ window to acquire Antetokounmpo lasted longer than expected.
“There was a two-week period where the Knicks knew that Giannis knew he wanted to play there… conversations were had, offers were made… I don’t even think it got to the point where it was like, ‘make the best offers you have,’” Charania said.
When pressed for details, Charania declined to specify what those offers were, suggesting the framework of a deal was never fully finalized.
The revelation left Knicks fans heartbroken, knowing just how close their franchise came to landing a former NBA Champion and two-time MVP. Throughout the offseason, mock trades circulated involving names like OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Karl-Anthony Towns, each scenario painting a different vision of a potential Knicks superteam.
As things stand, New York sits at 2-2, splitting their first four games, while Milwaukee has raced out to a 4-1 record following a recent win over the Golden State Warriors — a start that’s quieted some of the early panic surrounding their postseason collapse.
Charania closed his comments by noting how much could still change before next summer:
“We’ll see how they do this year, how they do in the playoffs. Next year, he’s going to be entering the last year of his deal, and everyone knows in the NBA that’s when you have the most leverage.”
For now, both franchises seem comfortable with their current direction. Still, Knicks fans can’t help but wonder — what could have been if Giannis Antetokounmpo had ever donned the blue and orange.
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