Despite lacking a clean, direct path to a blockbuster deal, the New York Knicks remain the betting favorite to land Giannis Antetokounmpo if the Milwaukee Bucks ultimately move their franchise star.
According to BetUS, the Knicks are listed at +300 odds to become Antetokounmpo’s next team, leading the field ahead of the San Antonio Spurs (+500). Knicks’ arch-rival Miami Heat are a distant third at +900 odds, according to one of the longest-standing online USA gambling sites.
The odds underscore a growing belief around the league that New York’s appeal — not just its assets — continues to matter in any Giannis discussion.
That confidence persists even as Milwaukee clarifies the price.
Bucks Set Steep Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Price
On Wednesday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Bucks have grown more open to listening to trade offers for Antetokounmpo, though only at a threshold befitting a two-time NBA MVP who delivered the franchise its first championship in 50 years and remains in his prime.
“Multiple teams have received a sense that the Bucks are more open than ever to Antetokounmpo offers between now and the deadline,” Charania reported. “However, Milwaukee has indicated to interested teams that the organization is not in a rush to complete a move and is willing to navigate Antetokounmpo’s future in the offseason if its believed price point of a blue-chip young talent and/or a surplus of draft picks isn’t met.”
With just over a week remaining before the Feb. 5 trade deadline, Milwaukee’s stance has clarified the market — and highlighted the Knicks’ current limitations.
Knicks Lack Immediate Blue-Chip Assets
As presently constructed, New York does not possess the combination of elite young talent and surplus draft capital Milwaukee is seeking, helping explain why discussions between the two teams failed to materialize last summer despite mutual interest.
The Knicks’ lone movable first-round asset is a top-eight-protected pick from the Washington Wizards that is widely projected to convert into two second-round selections in 2026 and 2027. That reality leaves New York without the blue-chip centerpiece typically required to headline a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade.
The roster has been built deliberately around continuity and flexibility, but that approach has limited short-term trade firepower.
Giannis’ Preference Keeps Knicks Relevant
Still, the Knicks remain very much in the conversation.
Antetokounmpo identified New York as his preferred landing spot last offseason, a factor that continues to hover over the league’s trade landscape even as Milwaukee retains full control of the process.
That preference alone does not bridge the asset gap — but it could influence how a deal ultimately unfolds if Antetokounmpo’s Milwaukee tenure reaches a breaking point.
Portland Emerges as Possible Third-Team Path
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Portland Trail Blazers have quietly emerged as a team to monitor in any future Antetokounmpo scenario involving the Knicks.
Portland has long admired Knicks forward Mikal Bridges, whom New York acquired in 2024 at the cost of five first-round picks and a pick swap. More importantly, the Trail Blazers control Milwaukee’s draft capital in 2028, 2029 and 2030 — leverage that could allow them to act as an intermediary in a multi-team deal.
“And I’m told Blazers officials have always viewed Antetokounmpo’s potential Milwaukee exit as a chance to improve their own roster by jumping into a multi-team deal,” Fischer reported.
Whether Portland would surrender increasingly valuable Bucks picks remains uncertain, particularly once Antetokounmpo is moved and those selections gain value.
Rivals Have Clearer Paths
While New York searches for creativity, rivals face fewer obstacles.
If Milwaukee waits until the offseason, Miami’s leverage improves considerably. By draft night, the Heat could legally trade up to three first-round picks and construct a competitive offer headlined by Tyler Herro without dismantling their core.
San Antonio’s path is even clearer. The Spurs can anchor an Antetokounmpo proposal with either Dylan Harper, the No. 2 overall pick in the most recent draft, or reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle. They also control up to four future first-round picks along with multiple pick swaps, giving them one of the league’s strongest trade arsenals.
Knicks’ Odds Reflect Belief, Not Certainty
The Knicks’ position atop the betting board reflects belief — in market, preference and patience — rather than a clear transactional edge.
Milwaukee is in no rush, and that will help New York, which will have more assets by draft night. Whether belief can overcome the Bucks’ asking price remains the defining question of the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade market.
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