The New York Knicks Are Prepared to Go All-In for Giannis Antetokounmpo If the Greek Freak Becomes Available

The New York Knicks aren’t done yet. Not by a long shot.

Fresh off their most promising season in over two decades, a summer that included a major extension for Mikal Bridges, and a fan base that’s practically vibrating with anticipation, the Knicks’ front office is playing chess while much of the league plays checkers. And according to league insiders, Leon Rose and his team have their eyes on the biggest prize of them all: Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Yes, that Giannis.

The two-time MVP, NBA champion, and perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate is the crown jewel of any hypothetical trade market. And while he’s currently still with the Milwaukee Bucks, the whispers are growing louder. Those whispers, sources say, have been quietly followed by watchful eyes from Manhattan for months.

This isn’t a new obsession for New York. Since taking the reins of the franchise, Leon Rose has been methodical—some might even say patient—to a fault. But everything the Knicks have done over the last three seasons has pointed to one thing: building the kind of sustainable, winning culture that could attract a true superstar.

Now that they’ve reached the second round of the playoffs and given fans a glimpse of what’s possible, the tone has shifted. The Knicks no longer have to beg stars to consider them. They’ve become a viable destination. They’ve cultivated continuity, depth, and identity. And now, they believe they’re one elite talent away from contention.

That’s where Giannis comes in.

According to sources with direct knowledge of the Knicks’ offseason strategy, the front office has been “monitoring Giannis’ situation in Milwaukee even before the offseason began.” That means everything from his public comments, his mood, his internal relationship with Bucks leadership, and the ripple effects of yet another early playoff exit in Milwaukee.

The Bucks’ collapse in the playoffs has left scars, both inside and outside of the organization. Despite adding Damian Lillard last offseason in a blockbuster move that was supposed to guarantee a title window, the Bucks fell short. Injuries, inconsistency, and defensive lapses derailed what was supposed to be a revenge tour.

Now, Giannis enters a pivotal year. He’s already made clear that he won’t hesitate to prioritize winning over loyalty if the organization doesn’t keep pace with his ambitions. Those ambitions, paired with the high-stakes nature of the modern NBA, are exactly why New York is lurking.

Multiple executives around the league believe the Knicks are uniquely positioned to make a Godfather offer should Milwaukee ever decide to explore their options. “They have the picks, the contracts, the young players, and the urgency,” one rival GM told sources close to the situation. “If Giannis is ever available, they’re coming. And they’re coming heavy.”

What would that kind of offer even look like?

Start with draft capital. The Knicks own all of their first-round picks, plus additional first-rounders from teams like the Dallas Mavericks and protected picks from Washington and Detroit. They also have swap rights in certain years. In total, New York has the ammunition to offer up to eight first-round assets in a deal.

That’s just the beginning.

New York’s roster is also loaded with appealing, tradable contracts and young players who fit across timelines. Quentin Grimes, Donte DiVincenzo, Mitchell Robinson, and even All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson—if the price is that steep—could be included in discussions.

But in all likelihood, the Knicks would attempt to pair Brunson with Giannis, not trade him for him. That duo, alongside Bridges, could form the most balanced and versatile three-man nucleus in the Eastern Conference.

There’s a reason this front office has preserved flexibility, signed team-friendly deals, and stockpiled picks instead of swinging too early. They’ve been waiting for this type of moment—a superstar who isn’t just talented, but transcendent. A player who can transform a franchise overnight.

Antetokounmpo fits that bill.

Standing at 6’11” with a 7’3” wingspan, Giannis has averaged 29.6 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game over the past five seasons while remaining one of the most feared defenders in basketball. His ability to dominate both ends of the floor is rivaled by only a handful of players in NBA history.

Adding him to New York’s already top-5 defense would make them a juggernaut. Pairing him with the leadership and shot creation of Brunson would make them contenders. And doing it all under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden? That’s Hollywood-level stuff.

Of course, there are hurdles.

Giannis is under contract with Milwaukee through the 2026–27 season, and he’s made no formal trade request. The Bucks have consistently stated their intention to build around him for the foreseeable future. But as the NBA has shown time and time again, circumstances can change quickly.

Frustration can boil over. Rebuilding efforts can begin earlier than expected. And even the strongest relationships—see Durant and the Warriors, LeBron and Cleveland (twice), Lillard and Portland—can shift overnight.

That’s why the Knicks are doing their homework now. They aren’t waiting for Giannis to hit free agency. They’re preparing to be first in line if the moment comes.

This is star-hunting season in the Garden.

And even beyond the Giannis situation, league insiders believe the Knicks will be aggressive if other big names hit the market. Joel Embiid, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Donovan Mitchell remain long-shot targets, but nothing is being ruled out. Still, it’s Giannis who occupies the top spot on their dream board.

The question is whether the Bucks blink first. If Milwaukee makes another short postseason run or fails to make meaningful improvements around Giannis this season, the pressure will build. And if the front office senses that they’re one bad month away from losing him for nothing, the trade lines could open.

That’s when the Knicks will strike.

This franchise has endured decades of irrelevance, false starts, and mismanagement. But Leon Rose and Tom Thibodeau have changed the conversation. They’ve built credibility. They’ve built belief. And now they’re on the brink of something bigger.

The possibility of landing Giannis Antetokounmpo isn’t just wishful thinking. It’s calculated ambition.

It’s about being ready when opportunity knocks.

So while the city celebrates its latest progress, the front office is already working behind the curtain. They’re waiting, watching, and plotting. Because they know that championship windows don’t stay open forever. They have to be shattered.

And there may be no better wrecking ball than the Greek Freak himself.

If Giannis becomes available, don’t be surprised if he ends up in blue and orange. The Knicks have spent years preparing for this. They believe their time is now.

They just need the right superstar to take them there.

And Giannis? He might just be that superstar.