Knicks Shooting Down Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Chance: Rumors

The New York Knicks aren't actively pursuing Giannis Antetokounmpo. Knicks Fan TV founder CP "The Franchise" shot down trade rumors on Thursday as speculation arose on the two-time MVP's future following his calf injury on Wednesday. Antetokounmpo went down three minutes into the Pistons-Bucks game with a calf strain and didn't return.

The rumors re-emerged after he deleted posts with the Bucks from his social media. On Wednesday, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported that Antetokounmpo had requested a trade to the Knicks this past summer.

Here's what CP "The Franchise" said about the links between Antetokounmpo and New York:

"The latest on Giannis right now is - the Knicks are not actively pursuing him. They're not actively pursuing Giannis right now. They have not spoken to the Bucks in this regard. And what I'm hearing is it's a highly unlikely situation right now."

However, he didn't rule out that things could change if the Bucks initiate the talks and their general manager, John Horst, proposes a deal.

A direct trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo would hinder the Knicks' roster balance as they would have to part ways with key assets like Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges. The Knicks might even believe in their core to make a deep playoff run after they made the Eastern Conference finals last year.

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Brian Windhorst continues to link Giannis Antetokounmpo to Knicks

While CP "The Franchise" ruled out the Knicks trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo, ESPN's Brian Windhorst continued to link the two parties on Thursday. During an appearance on "Get Up," Windhorst said:

"He discussed the Knicks in August. He showed an interest there. ... The Knicks would potentially be on Giannis' list ... but the feel would be that Giannis might expand it."

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.@WindhorstESPN discusses where Giannis could end up if he leaves Milwaukee: "The Knicks would potentially be on Giannis' list ... but the feel would be that Giannis might expand it."

Windhorst said Antetokounmpo's say would matter heavily as he only has one year left on his contract. He has a player option in 2026-27. The destination Antetokounmpo chooses would be a long-term situation for him with a looming extension.

For now, Windhorst claimed that Antetokounmpo has indeed not requested a trade and the Bucks are hoping he doesn't.