Tick…tick…tick
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s time to make a decision regarding the Knicks has begun.
The star player for the Bucks, alongside his agent Alex Salatzis, has started discussions with Milwaukee about his future with the franchise, according to a report from ESPN on Wednesday. It’s anticipated that a resolution might come within the next few weeks.
This news arrives shortly after Antetokounmpo played in New York during last Friday’s game between the Bucks and the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, where he scored 30 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and dished out 8 assists.
During the offseason, there were indications that the Knicks would be Antetokounmpo’s top choice if a trade were to occur. Conversations took place between the two sides, but progress halted because the Knicks felt the Bucks were not particularly motivated to negotiate, as reported by Stephen Bondi of the Post.
If Antetokounmpo does decide to formally request a trade two months later, that motivation could shift. Sources indicate that opinions can change rapidly when a player of his talent is in play, but for the moment, the Knicks are pleased with their current roster and are focused on their own trajectory.
Bucks coach Doc Rivers firmly dismissed the notion that Antetokounmpo wished to leave.
“Giannis has never asked to be traded,” Rivers stated on Wednesday. “That’s it. I can’t be any clearer. I consult the source daily…He loves Milwaukee and the Bucks.”
When asked about ESPN’s offseason reports after the Bucks’ victory over the Knicks on October 28, Antetokounmpo claimed he wasn’t aware of them. After being informed, he seemed to sidestep the question.
“I didn’t read that article,” he mentioned. “I try to stay away from all the rumors about trades. It doesn’t concern me. I’m here to help the team win games.”
At that moment, the Bucks held a solid 3-1 record against the Knicks. However, heading into Wednesday’s game against the Pistons, the Bucks found themselves in 11th place in the Eastern Conference, with a dismal 9-13 record, recently losing eight of their last nine outings, including a seven-game losing streak that culminated in a defeat to the Knicks on Black Friday.
“At the end of the day, I want to win,” Antetokounmpo expressed after a recent game. “I lost seven in a row. I can’t recall the last time I experienced that.”
Despite previous offseason rumors, Antetokounmpo had publicly affirmed his commitment to the Bucks, though he emphasized his desire to be with a team capable of contending for a championship, hinting at a possible shift in loyalty if the situation did not improve.
“I want to be in a winning situation, and here I am,” Antetokounmpo noted before the season began. “I believe in this team and my teammates. I’m here to push this team as far as we can go, but it’s going to be tough. We’ll take it one day at a time.”
He added that as long as he’s on the court, he’s focused solely on winning, leaving open the possibility of changing his mind later.
That possibility might need to be resolved sooner rather than later.
As the Knicks prepare for Wednesday’s game against the Hornets, they find themselves in fourth place in the East with a respectable 13-7 record. While their start has been mostly positive, they haven’t fully established themselves as the top contenders in the Eastern Conference.
If the Knicks decide to make a move, Antetokounmpo would almost certainly be at the center of any plans.
Mikal Bridges, who signed an extension during the offseason, cannot be traded until February, meaning he wouldn’t be included in any deal to acquire Antetokounmpo if the move is urgent.
The Knicks’ offer would likely revolve around Karl-Anthony Towns. The Knicks opted not to extend his contract before the deadline, and he has two years left on his deal, totaling around $110 million. Nevertheless, Towns expressed on Tuesday that he wishes to remain with the Knicks as long as possible.
“Yeah, I want to be here,” Towns said. “Getting to see family means more than money. Being here with the fans and my family is important. I want that to continue.”
Ultimately, Antetokounmpo holds the key to the situation.
