The Giannis Antetokounmpo trade saga is heating up across the NBA once again. Heading into another year with the Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis had to face questions

Knicks beat writer James L. Edwards III and national writer Fred Katz give their thoughts on a theoretical Antetokounmpo-to-the-Knicks move. Edwards: No, I’m not. The Knicks have been eying the statuses of several household NBA names over the years, per league sources, and Antetokounmpo is at the top of the list.

There have been persistent rumors that Knicks president Leon Rose having has an interest in acquiring Antetokounmpo. The Bucks star has made it clear that he wants to be on a contender and the Knicks are said to be at the top of his list.

Giannis is under contract through the 2026–27 season. That year will mark his final guaranteed season with the Bucks before a massive player option for 2027–28, worth around $63 million. Most superstars in his position decline those final options to sign longer, richer extensions. It’s the natural move — more money, more security and more control.

If Giannis Antetokounmpo were to request a trade, reports indicate that the Knicks and Heat would be the teams most likely to pursue him.