Many think that Giannis Antetokounmpo has played his last game in a Milwaukee Bucks uniform and that his team is waiting for the offseason to trade him. The New York Knicks have emerged as one of the potential landing spots for Antetokounmpo. New York and Milwaukee reportedly discussed a Giannis trade last August, but the talks did not prosper.
Some believe the two teams will talk again this summer, and maybe this time, they will be able to agree on a deal. However, former Knicks star John Starks , who currently works for his former team as Alumni Relations and Fan Development Advisor, does not think that is happening.
"Giannis is not coming," said Starks. "He's not coming. To be honest with you, I'm not sure if he was going to leave Milwaukee cuz he's such a loyal individual. And I respect that about him cuz he could've left anytime before they won the championship. He said, 'No, just give me some players put around me, and I'll bring you a championship.' He delivered on his promise."
Antetokounmpo has spent his first 13 seasons in Milwaukee, and as Stark said, he could've given up early on. Even when he won back-to-back MVP awards, the Bucks could not get out of the East. But he persevered, and they ultimately won the 2021 NBA championship.
"I respect players like that. You don't want to see guys jumping from team to team searching, and what have you. It's like, dude, sit down and fight hard. And that's what it takes to win. It's easy to just 'Okay, this is too tough for me, I'm gonna walk out the door,'" Starks added.
But a lot has changed since the Bucks won it all. Only Giannis and Bobby Portis remain from that title team. And while Giannis and the Bucks have been loyal to each other, fans and experts agree that their relationship has run its course.
Giannis has stated many times that he wants to win another NBA championship. However, the Bucks, as constructed, are far from being a title contender. Their being eliminated from playoff contention for the first time in 10 years is proof of that. Sure, Giannis' injury has a lot to do with that, but even when he was healthy and dominant, the Bucks were a mere play-in team.
But while Starks doesn't think that the Knicks are trading for Antetokounmpo, he mentioned that every NBA player, including Giannis, would love to bring his talents to a big market city, especially New York. However, John said playing for the Knicks is both a blessing and a curse because of the pressure to win.
"New York is the greatest city ever when you're winning. But if you ain't winning, it could be a tough city for you. But I think everybody wants to be in a big market. Giannis definitely want to be in a big market," the retired guard added.
The Knicks are currently in third place in the Eastern Conference team standings, behind the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics . Looking at the current team, the Knicks have the talent to win. It remains to be seen, though, if they can put it all together in the postseason and make a championship run.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Mar 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
