The recent buzz in NBA trade rumors centers on a hypothetical blockbuster scenario where the New York Knicks acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks’ superstar forward, two-time MVP, and 2021 NBA champion. Giannis is currently in the first year of a three-year, $175 million extension (with his salary around $54-60 million annually in this range, aligning with the reported figure). This proposed trade has sparked discussions, including an ESPN concept highlighted in outlets like The Sporting News and Yahoo Sports, suggesting such a move could elevate the Knicks from Eastern Conference contenders to legitimate title favorites.
The Context of the Rumors
As of early February 2026, the Bucks are struggling (around .400 win percentage, sitting low in the East), and reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania indicate Giannis is open to a trade either before the February 2026 deadline or in the offseason. Multiple teams — including the Knicks, Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, and Minnesota Timberwolves — have engaged in discussions or expressed serious interest. The Knicks have long been linked to Giannis, with prior offseason talks where he reportedly preferred New York as a destination. However, insiders like Brian Windhorst note the Knicks aren’t aggressively pursuing him at the deadline, believing in their current core (which includes Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and others post-recent moves).
The $175 million tag refers to Giannis’ current supermax deal, emphasizing his elite value as a dominant 6-foot-11 forward who excels in scoring, rebounding, playmaking, and defense.
The Proposed Trade Concept
One prominent ESPN-analyzed proposal (from Zach Kram and others) envisions a complex three-team deal to make the salaries and assets work, given Giannis’ massive cap hit and Milwaukee’s desire for young talent plus draft capital:
- New York Knicks receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo (and potentially reuniting elements like Jrue Holiday in variants for added fit).
- Milwaukee Bucks receive: A package including Karl-Anthony Towns (or similar high-salary players), future first-round picks (e.g., protected or swaps), and other assets like young prospects or role players.
- Third team (e.g., Portland Trail Blazers or another): Involved to facilitate, perhaps landing Jerami Grant, Matisse Thybulle, or picks, while rerouting pieces like Towns elsewhere.
In this setup, the Knicks might send out Bridges, Anunoby, or Towns (whose contracts align salary-wise), plus limited draft picks (New York has traded away much of its capital in prior deals like the Bridges acquisition). The Bucks regain flexibility for a rebuild or retool, getting back picks from past trades (e.g., those sent out in the Damian Lillard era).
This isn’t a simple one-for-one; it requires multi-team creativity due to the NBA’s salary cap rules and Milwaukee demanding a “blue-chip” return.
Why This Would Make the Knicks Title Favorites
Landing Giannis would create one of the league’s most formidable big threes or fours:
- Jalen Brunson (elite scoring guard, clutch performer) as the primary ball-handler.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (unmatched athleticism, rim attacks, transition dominance, and defensive versatility).
- Karl-Anthony Towns (if retained in variants) or Mikal Bridges/OG Anunoby (elite 3-and-D wings).
- Depth with players like Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo (if kept), and others.
Strengths of this supercharged Knicks roster:
- Offense: Giannis + Brunson would generate unstoppable pick-and-rolls, lobs, and spacing. Giannis’ gravity draws defenders, opening threes for shooters.
- Defense: Giannis’ rim protection (elite blocks/steals) pairs with Anunoby/Bridges’ perimeter lockdown, making New York suffocating.
- Playoff upside: In the East (rivaling Boston, Cleveland, etc.), Giannis’ Finals experience (2021 champion) adds pedigree. The Knicks’ current group has shown grit in recent seasons; adding a top-5 player catapults them past most competition.
Analysts argue this shifts odds dramatically — from “contenders hoping to break through” to “favorites with multiple paths to a title.” ESPN’s concept notes it “drastically improves championship odds,” potentially making New York the East’s top dog and a strong Finals threat against Western powers.
Potential Downsides and Realism
Sacrificing Bridges/Anunoby/Towns thins depth and shooting. Giannis’ injury history (knee/calf issues) and age (31 in 2026) add risk. The Bucks may demand more than New York can offer without gutting the roster — reports suggest Milwaukee wants young stars and unprotected picks, which the Knicks lack. Windhorst emphasized the Knicks’ reluctance to go “all-in” aggressively right now, preferring their current momentum (recent win streaks).
If no deal happens by the deadline, offseason talks could intensify, especially if Milwaukee’s struggles continue.
In summary, this Giannis-to-Knicks proposal remains speculative but electrifying. It would represent one of the biggest trades in recent NBA history, instantly reshaping the title race and giving New York its best shot at ending a 50+ year championship drought. Whether it materializes depends on negotiations, but the hype underscores Giannis’ transformative impact.
