NBA Trade Rumors: Knicks Lose Exclusivity in Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Talks, Opening Window For 28 Other Teams

NBA: Milwaukee Bucks at New York Knicks - Source: Imagn
Knicks have no exclusivity in a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade (Image Source: IMAGN)

Giannis Antetokounmpo, a star for the Milwaukee Bucks, said that he would rather be moved to the New York Knicks. Antetokounmpo wants to remain competitive, and he has a chance to compete for the NBA title by joining the Knicks.

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According to recent reports, the Bucks gave the Knicks an exclusive negotiating window to discuss Antetokounmpo trade talks over the summer. This gave New York the upper hand over the rest of the NBA, since the star forward prefers to be traded to the city. Unfortunately for the team, the talks ultimately broke down.

If there comes a time in the 2025-26 NBA season when Antetokounmpo asks for a trade, the Knicks won't have an exclusive negotiating window. Despite New York being his preferred landing spot, Milwaukee is open to negotiating a deal with the rest of the league. This gives the other 28 teams a fair shot at potentially acquiring the Greek Freak.

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The Bucks are 10-15 this season, and there have been reports about a potential trade regarding Antetokounmpo. ESPN's Shams Charania revealed that Milwaukee and the star forward have begun internal discussions. This could hint at a trade in the middle of the campaign.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is the lone star for the Bucks. Without much help, his hope of contending for NBA titles seems impossible in Milwaukee. This year, the 2021 Finals MVP has appeared in 17 games, averaging 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists.

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Rich Paul said the Milwaukee Bucks should look at the Atlanta Hawks for a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade

Rich Paul, CEO of Klutch Sports, had an interview with sports analyst Max Kellerman. During their talk, Paul suggested that the Milwaukee Bucks should look at the Atlanta Hawks for a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade.

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“With Giannis, it has to be, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a star,” Paul said. “Cause you’re not getting a star back, per se. Maybe you could… You’re not getting a star back to a level of a Giannis.
“If I’m the Bucks, I’m looking at young player, high character, high talent, high IQ… I’m calling Atlanta. I want Jalen Johnson. He’s from Milwaukee.”
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Jalen Johnson isn't an All-Star, but has shown potential. In his fifth season in the league, the young forward is averaging a career-high in points, rebounds and assists. The Hawks forward is putting up 23.4 ppg, 10.5 rpg and 7.9 apg.

Kellerman said trading for a young star with potential would help the Bucks. He said it would be like trading for a Tyrese Maxey, before the Philadelphia 76ers star became an All-Star.

With the trade proposal from Paul, Giannis Antetokounmpo would be with the Hawks and pair up with Trae Young.

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Edited by Reign Amurao
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