NBA Rumors: 4 Teams Giannis Antetokounmpo is most likely to leave Bucks for

New York Knicks

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst made headlines back in May during an appearance on the network’s “First Take.” He implied that the Knicks are keeping an eye on Antetokounmpo’s “situation” with the Milwaukee Bucks.

An NBA team is interested in acquiring one of the league’s biggest stars. In other news, water is wet.

Why wouldn’t any of the other 29 NBA teams be interested in acquiring Giannis? The Knicks haven’t had a top-10 player since Carmelo Anthony was on their roster. Signing Giannis would instantly lift New York into the conversation of contenders, no matter who is left on the Knicks roster.

It looks like Knicks president Leon Rose is preparing to land at least one big free agent in 2025. Only R.J. Barrett, Mitchell Robinson, Josh Hart, and former Milwaukee Buck Donte DiVincenzo are currently under contract for the 2025-26 season. All-Star Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson have Player Options.

The Knicks made the playoffs for the second time in three seasons under head coach Tom Thibodeau. They made it out of the first round for the first time since 2013. Brunson was a huge free agent signing last season and had an immediate impact in New York.

Rose has built a competitive team and is working to transform the Knicks into a contender. Bill Simmons went on record on his podcast, The Bill Simmons Podcast, guaranteeing that Giannis, Joel Embiid, or Donovan Mitchell will soon join the Knicks.

Knicks fans probably can’t help but think to themselves, “So you’re saying there’s a chance?”