Greek Freak is set for his 13th season in the league.
Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is set to begin his 13th season in the NBA with the franchise he joined as the 15th overall pick in the 2013 Draft. However, as per reports, this wasn’t the place he wanted to kick off a new campaign at. According to reports by ESPN’s Shams Charania, Antetokounmpo engaged in trade talks with the New York Knicks over the summer as it was his “only” preferred destination.
Charania reported that the Bucks entertained a trade for the star, but the Greek Freak approved the potential that the current roster has following a meeting between himself, his agent and Bucks GM John Horst. According to Charania, “Several teams were discussed internally, but one emerged as the only place Antetokounmpo wanted to play outside of Milwaukee: the New York Knicks, multiple sources with direct knowledge of the situation told ESPN.”
“The Bucks picked up the Knicks’ call on Antetokounmpo, and the sides engaged in conversations for a window of time in August, league sources said, but the teams never got traction on a deal.”
The Bucks insisted to the Knicks that they didn’t want to move Antetokounmpo, but according to those in Milwaukee, New York didn’t make an interesting offer to continue the trade talks.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has been a part of the Milwaukee Bucks for over a decade, has been losing his faith in the team’s championship potential. During the previous season, he posted an exceptional average of 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game. However, the 2021 champions haven’t been able to keep up with his expectations, and have lost in the first round of the playoffs in three consecutive seasons.
His landing in New York would have marked one of the Knicks’ biggest acquisitions in decades. But, it would have also tested their patience and long-term planning, as the team has built a steady momentum under coach Tom Thibodeau. Greek Freak’s addition to the team would have pushed the team into instability, which would further mean failure at clinching immediate championship. On other hand, the 30-year-old’s athleticism would have paired with Jalen Brunson’s leadership, making one of the most dynamic duos in the history of the league.
Washington Wizards 
Charlotte Hornets 
Philadelphia 76ers 
Brooklyn Nets 
Toronto Raptors 
Miami Heat 
Chicago Bulls 
Atlanta Hawks 
Orlando Magic 
Detroit Pistons 
Milwaukee Bucks 
Indiana Pacers 
New York Knicks 
Boston Celtics 
Cleveland Cavaliers 
Utah Jazz 
New Orleans Pelicans 
San Antonio Spurs 
Portland Trail Blazers 
Phoenix Suns 
Dallas Mavericks 
Sacramento Kings 
Memphis Grizzlies 
Golden State Warriors 
Minnesota Timberwolves 
LA Clippers 
Denver Nuggets 
Los Angeles Lakers 
Houston Rockets 
Oklahoma City Thunder 
NBA 
