Giannis Staying in Milwaukee Could Actually Help the Knicks’ Long-Term Plans
Giannis Antetokounmpo has no intention of leaving the Milwaukee Bucks heading into the 2025-26 NBA season, and while that news disappoints many suitors, it might actually be a blessing in disguise for the New York Knicks.
Confirmation came when Milwaukee signed Thanasis Antetokounmpo to a guaranteed one-year deal. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that “after a summer of exploring options, Giannis is staying in Milwaukee to start the season.” It’s hardly shocking — the Bucks wouldn’t have stretched Damian Lillard’s contract and brought in Myles Turner without confidence that their superstar was sticking around.
But for the Knicks, this delay creates the perfect window to prepare for a potential Giannis sweepstakes in the future.
Why the Knicks Benefit From Waiting
New York currently lacks the draft capital to compete with other suitors. They can’t trade a first-round pick until next summer, when they’ll finally have two available: their 2026 selection and a 2033 pick. While that’s far from a blockbuster package, it’s significantly better than their current situation.
The Knicks’ player assets also improve with time. Mikal Bridges cannot be traded for six months after signing his extension, meaning his restriction lifts just days before the February 5 trade deadline. That short timeline makes a blockbuster unlikely this year — but more realistic next offseason.
Meanwhile, young prospects like Tyler Kolek and Pacome Dadiet will have another season to build value, even if they aren’t part of the rotation right away.
A Stronger Trade Package in 2026
By next summer, the Knicks’ salary-matching options also become more favorable. Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns will each have one fewer year left on their contracts, making them more palatable trade pieces for a Bucks team potentially entering transition. Bridges’ salary will also rise, giving New York more flexibility in building a legal trade framework.
In other words, the Knicks’ most competitive Giannis package isn’t possible today — but it could be both stronger and more appealing in 2026.
The Big Picture
The Knicks still won’t have the best offer on the table without adding more first-round picks. But Giannis staying in Milwaukee for now buys them time to assemble a more attractive trade package.
It may frustrate fans eager for an immediate splash, but in the long run, this “setback” could be the Knicks’ biggest opportunity yet.
