Knicks send loud message to the NBA about Giannis’ future
The New York Knicks’ decision to sign Mikal Bridges to a four-year, $150 million extension carries major implications—not just for their roster, but for the rest of the NBA. The move all but confirms what many suspected: Giannis Antetokounmpo won’t be traded this offseason.
While a Giannis trade was always unlikely, speculation persisted after the two-time MVP gave a noncommittal response about his long-term future. However, Milwaukee’s decision to waive-and-stretch Damian Lillard to clear room for Myles Turner strongly suggests the Bucks are still committed to contending around Giannis, making a trade request this summer even less realistic.
Knicks’ limited trade assets make the timing critical
The Knicks remain one of the teams monitoring Giannis’ situation, but they are at a disadvantage. They cannot trade a first-round pick until next summer and lack young, high-upside players who could headline a blockbuster package. Any potential Knicks offer would need to be built around veterans like Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Mitchell Robinson—players who could help Milwaukee stay competitive despite not controlling its own draft picks until 2031.
Bridges is now off the trade table—at least for six months
Because Bridges’ new deal increases his 2026-27 salary by more than 20%, he cannot be traded for six months. That makes him ineligible to be part of any offseason package, though he could technically be moved before February’s trade deadline.
While New York could have delayed extending Bridges, locking him in now gives the team financial clarity and avoids the risk of paying more than $200 million if he hit free agency in 2026. However, it also removes one of the Knicks’ most attractive trade chips—something a team wouldn’t do if it believed a summer Giannis deal was possible.
What this means for the Knicks and the NBA
The extension suggests the Knicks don’t expect Giannis to be available until at least midseason—if not next offseason. Bridges could still be moved in a future deal for the Bucks’ superstar, but by committing to him now, New York has effectively signaled that it doesn’t see a Giannis trade happening anytime soon.
For the rest of the league’s Giannis suitors, the message is clear: don’t expect Milwaukee’s franchise player to hit the market this summer.
