Bucks May Hold Off on Giannis Trade Until After NBA Finals in Case Knicks Reopen Talks

The Milwaukee Bucks are weighing whether to make a decision on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future before or after the NBA Finals, with the New York Knicks a wildcard in the potential trade picture. Despite initial talks last offseason, the Knicks were not serious trade partners then. Now with a new season underway and the Bucks still in playoff contention, the window for a blockbuster move is narrowing.

Giannis, who is under contract through 2027, is coming off a season in which he averaged 29.6 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. The Bucks are expected to make a decision on his status by the NBA draft, but sources indicate they could hold off until after the Finals if the Knicks re-enter trade discussions. The Knicks were once in the mix last year when Giannis expressed interest in a move to New York.

The Knicks currently have the assets to make a competitive offer. They can include up to two first-round picks and three pick swaps in any deal. However, Mikal Bridges, a top trade piece previously linked to the Bucks, is ineligible due to a contract extension he signed with Brooklyn. The Knicks’ leverage is limited by the Brooklyn situation, which could delay or derail any deal.

Miami Heat remain the favorites to land Giannis, offering a package that includes Tyler Herro and multiple draft assets. Their offer is considered beatable, but no other team has yet stepped forward with a matching proposal. The Heat’s cap flexibility and playoff pedigree make them a strong contender, especially as the trade deadline approaches.

The Bucks are in a difficult position. Trading Giannis would require a blockbuster return, and any deal must make sense on the court and the books. Giannis’s contract is fully guaranteed through 2027, which limits the number of teams willing to absorb his salary. The Knicks, despite their recent success with Karl-Anthony Towns, who averaged 23.6 points and 12.1 rebounds this season, have not yet made a formal offer.

The Bucks will monitor the Knicks’ performance in the playoffs closely. If New York fails to win the title, they may reconsider their approach to Giannis. The Knicks had a 2-0 series lead in the 2023 playoffs before falling to Boston, and that disappointment could fuel another aggressive push for a superstar.

The NBA draft is set for June 26, and the trade deadline is June 19. The Bucks must decide whether to finalize any trade before or after the Finals. For now, all options remain on the table.