The New York Knicks’ chances of landing Giannis Antetokounmpo before the February 5, 2026, NBA trade deadline appear lower than they’ve been in recent months, based on the latest reporting—particularly from ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. While the Knicks remain one of the four “serious suitors” (alongside the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, and Minnesota Timberwolves), the prevailing sentiment from insiders suggests New York isn’t mounting the aggressive push needed to outbid competitors or meet Milwaukee’s demands. This development isn’t a complete shutdown of possibilities—Giannis could still request a specific destination or the situation evolves in the offseason—but as of early February 2026, the momentum has shifted away from a midseason blockbuster to New York.
The Latest Report Casting Doubt
The key piece driving this narrative is Windhorst’s appearance on ESPN’s Get Up (around February 2, 2026), where he explicitly stated the Knicks “are not showing that aggression with Giannis right now.” He emphasized:
- The Knicks “believe in this team” and their current roster (31-18, second in the East, on a six-game winning streak as of early February).
- They passed on aggressive pursuit last summer when Giannis was “loosely available,” and the same hesitation persists now.
- To win a bidding war, New York would likely need a complex 3- or 4-team deal to acquire additional assets (e.g., draft picks or young talent) before circling back to Milwaukee—something that’s “just not happening.”
- This confidence stems from the East not being an insurmountable mountain, with flaws across contenders (Boston, Cleveland, etc.), allowing the Knicks to feel competitive without a seismic move.
This aligns with broader reporting: Shams Charania (ESPN) confirmed the Bucks are listening to offers and Giannis is “ready for a new home” (potentially deadline or offseason), but the Knicks’ inquiries are heavy yet not escalating to premium offers. The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III noted New York lacks a “premier young player” or valuable draft capital—key items Milwaukee demands for a superstar like Giannis (two-time MVP, 2021 champion). New York’s apron status (near/hard-capped at the second apron) further limits salary-matching flexibility without gutting the core.
Why the Knicks’ Position Has Weakened
Several factors stack against New York at this juncture:
- Asset Limitations — The Knicks have traded away much of their future draft capital (e.g., in the Mikal Bridges deal and prior moves). Their remaining picks are limited/protected (e.g., a 2026 top-8 protected to Washington). Milwaukee wants unprotected picks or blue-chip youth—New York can’t easily deliver without involving starters like OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, or Karl-Anthony Towns, which would require multi-team orchestration.
- Competing Suitors — The field has expanded since summer whispers. The Warriors (with young talent and picks), Heat (culture fit, flexibility), and Timberwolves (pairing with Anthony Edwards) offer more appealing packages. Odds from DraftKings (as of late January/early February) had Milwaukee staying put as favorites (-110), with Knicks at +330—solid but not dominant, and trailing in perceived leverage.
- Knicks’ Internal Confidence — Their recent surge (wins over Lakers, Blazers, etc.) reinforces belief in Jalen Brunson (clutch elite), Towns (versatile scoring), Bridges/Anunoby (defensive wings), and depth (Hart, DiVincenzo if retained). Adding Giannis would elevate them to title favorites, but the risk of disrupting chemistry midseason—especially with Giannis recovering from a calf injury (out 4-6 weeks)—looms large.
- Bucks’ Stance — Milwaukee seeks a massive haul for their franchise face. No “Godfather” offers exist from any suitor, per analysts. If no deal materializes by deadline, Giannis’ leverage grows in summer, but more teams enter the fray, diluting New York’s edge.
Potential Paths Forward for the Knicks
- Deadline Realism — A straight-up or simple swap (e.g., Towns for Giannis) is unlikely; Bucks want more. A 3-team variant (e.g., ESPN concepts sending Towns elsewhere, rerouting picks) is floated but complicated by apron rules and reluctance to dismantle the core.
- Offseason Revisit — If no trade happens and Knicks fall short in playoffs/East, interest reignites. Summer allows cap maneuvering, and Giannis (if still unhappy) could specify New York.
- Stand Pat Strategy — Windhorst implies this is the lean: Ride the streak, build continuity, target smaller upgrades (e.g., wing depth like Naji Marshall rumors). This preserves flexibility for bigger summer swings.
Broader Implications
This moment highlights the Knicks’ evolution from desperate rebuilders to confident contenders. Landing Giannis would pair his dominance (scoring, defense, transition) with Brunson’s orchestration—potentially ending a 50+ year title drought. But forcing it now risks regression if chemistry falters or assets deplete.
Conversely, staying put validates their roster: Elite defense, balanced scoring, playoff grit. The East’s parity (no unbeatable juggernaut) gives them a real shot without Giannis.
As deadline nears (February 5, 2026), “lower than ever” feels apt for midseason odds—driven by Knicks’ caution and competition. Yet the door isn’t slammed; Giannis’ preference for New York (summer reports) and potential offseason dynamics keep hope alive. For now, the report underscores a pragmatic Knicks approach: Believe in what they have, rather than chase the unattainable at any cost. This could prove wise—or a missed generational opportunity. The next few days will clarify.
