Amid widespread speculation that Giannis Antetokounmpo could be on the move, one NBA executive familiar with the situation says it’s not going to happen.
“Giannis isn’t going anywhere this summer,” the executive told NJ Advance Media on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to speak for the Milwaukee Bucks. “The Bucks feel they can still win with him.”
Antetokounmpo himself appeared to confirm on Tuesday that he will remain in Milwaukee.
“I’m rooting for good basketball… the Finals are different, I hope to be back soon with the Bucks,” he said in Brazil.
The two-time NBA MVP has two years and a player option remaining on his contract and is due to make north of $57 million during the 2025-26 season.
The Bucks will be without Damian Lillard (Achilles) next season and their ability to contend for an NBA championship appears uncertain.
The Bucks lost to the Indiana Pacers in five games in the first round of this year’s playoffs.
The Knicks had been among the teams linked to a potential trade for Antetokounmpo — with New Jersey native Karl-Anthony Towns often mentioned as the centerpiece — but league executives said the Knicks simply don’t have the assets for such a blockbuster.
“The Knicks cannot get Giannis,” the NBA executive said. “They don’t have enough assets.”
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Adam Zagoria is a freelance reporter and Basketball Insider for NJ Advance Media. You may follow him on Twitter @AdamZagoria and check out his Website at ZAGSBLOG.com.
