Giannis Antetokounmpo has apparently seen enough of his Milwaukee Bucks to start thinking of finding a new home.
And if it was reportedly up to him, he’d be heading to the Big Apple to join the Knicks.
The Bucks are 10-13 after a win on Wednesday night that could prove costly. Antetokounmpo strained his calf, according to the team, but it looked far more concerning considering he went down without contact.
Regardless, Milwaukee looks nothing like a championship contender, and Antetokounmpo reportedly told the Bucks over the summer that he was going to assess their chances before making a call on whether he wants out of town or not.
Prior to Wednesday’s game against the Pistons, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Greek Freak and his agent, Alex Saratsis, have started talking to the Bucks about his future with the franchise, where they will be “discussing whether his best fit is staying or a move elsewhere.”
It certainly seems that a trade is the most likely option, with the NBA’s deadline coming on Feb. 5.
Enter the Knicks, who engaged in talks with the Bucks in August and remain interested in the two-time MVP. The feeling appeared mutual, as multiple reports have tabbed New York as the only place Antetokounmpo wanted to go.
When asked about those reports on Nov. 28 after beating New York, Antetkounmpo said, “Right now, I’m here representing my team, and that’s it. We beat the Knicks, so it doesn’t matter… I try to stay away from all the rumors and speculation and trades. It doesn’t concern me one bit.”
Acquiring Antetokounmpo only increases the Knicks’ chances of winning the Eastern Conference and legitimately contending for their first NBA championship in over 50 years. Despite the Bucks’ poor start, he is averaging 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game this season.
