Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to their third win in four games to open the 2025/26 season on Tuesday, scoring 37 points en route to a 121-111 victory over the Knicks.
The first matchup between the two teams this season came just three weeks after ESPN reported that the Bucks and Knicks had brief discussions this offseason about the possibility of a trade involving Antetokounmpo, who reportedly conveyed that New York would be a preferred landing spot if he ever left Milwaukee. Asked on Tuesday about that report, Antetokounmpo pleaded ignorance, as Eric Nehm of The Athletic relays (via Twitter).
“I don’t remember that,” Antetokounmpo said, shaking his head when asked about the ESPN story (YouTube link). “Right now, I’m here representing my team. And that’s it. We beat the Knicks. That’s all. Doesn’t really matter. What matters right now is we have a game in two days against Golden State, try to stay locked in and get two in a row.
“But I didn’t read that article. I try to stay away from all that rumors and speculation and trades and all this. It doesn’t concern me one bit.”
Antetokounmpo, who has been with the Bucks since being selected 15th overall in the 2013 draft, has repeatedly expressed his love for Milwaukee over the years while also stressing that being in position to continue competing for championships is important to him.
The Bucks’ past three seasons have ended with first-round playoff losses, so the outcome of the 2025/26 campaign could go a long way toward determining whether or not Antetokounmpo’s long-term future is in Milwaukee. He has two guaranteed years left on his contract, followed by a player option, meaning he could reach free agency as soon as 2027.
While Antetokounmpo dismissed the trade speculation on Tuesday, he acknowledged that the victory over the Knicks meant a little something extra to a Bucks team with aspirations of winning the Eastern Conference.
“For sure, there was a lot extra,” Antetokounmpo said. “They swept us last year. Swept us. They were way better than us last year. We didn’t make it tough for them. It was very easy, in my opinion. As the leader of this team, I remember. I don’t forget things, and I try to – from early shootaround – set the tone for the team and try to remind them, ‘Last year they swept us.’ Same with the Cavs. So I think the team responded in the best way, so I’m happy.”
The Bucks weren’t able to exact the same form of revenge on the Cavaliers on Sunday that they did on the Knicks on Tuesday, falling 118-113 to their division rivals in Cleveland. However, Antetokounmpo had a monster game in the Bucks’ only loss so far this season, racking up 40 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists. He’s playing at an MVP level in the early going — Milwaukee has a +12.5 net rating when he’s on the court, compared to a -6.2 mark when he sits.
Star players can pick where they want to be traded to, so why would he be concerned?
Except when they can’t, see his former teammate Damian Lillard.
Lillard could have gotten out of the trade if he wanted to
Giannis still one of best in game. I just don’t see Bucks as a top team. Looked good against Knicks. But they were missing three rotation players. Still too early to judge teams. Bucks will have a tough time ending up top 4 in East. Imo
Giannis has been coming to Knicks for last two years. I don’t see it ever happening. Bucks realistically look at their roster. And draft capital for next few yrs. There is no way of significantly improving this team. The best outcome is a trade for both Giannis and the Bucks.
I thought he was going to Spurs at the draft. Instead KD went to Rockets. The Spurs trade can still happen. And the Thunder also have the assets to do it. Bucks can rebuild in a year. Giannis can chase chips for next 7 yrs.
They are top 4 in the East unless you believe Heat can sustain with the lack over overall talent just because culture and Spo. Bulls can sustain with the Doufus as coach. Pistons are not the underdog team anymore that gets taken lightly.
OKC has no pressure so they won’t need to pursue Giannis and Chet looks like he has gotten better in the few games this year. Spurs probably will feel pressure if they don’t make it pass rd 1.
I see Magic and Pistons top 4. Then there is Philly. If they stay healthy. Can also be top 4.
Another day….another Giannis trade speculation article. Ho hum.
Not into the hoops rumors on Hoops Rumors?
Fair point; but some of us use this site for news.
I can write rumors for click bait. Anyone can.
ESPN has made a business model of publishing anything at all. It’s laughable. No one respects their bullshtt anymore.
Towns had a bad game last night. 35 mins, 2/12 with 8 pts. When your shot is not falling. You have to find other ways to help your team. Towns gets lost here still at times. He was 4/4 from FT. Should have posted more and Brown should have looked for him on post.
This new offense is suppose to get more players involved. Yet when things tighten ip. Knicks still going to Brunson iso. Been saying it since last year. Like to see Brunson at over 9 ast a game. He was at 7.3 a gm last yr. Knicks still a work in progress.
OG and Hart also had bad games, Bridges had to play 39 minutes, he had flashback to Thibideau
Yeah, poor game by Towns. He got pocketed by Kuzma, of all people, on 5 possessions in the 3rd. Got an offensive foul, and then couldn’t score on him in 4 different episodes.
Giannis to the Lakers for LeDaddy & LeSon
NYK are a mess right now. No identity. No connection. Guys look like they just met. I expected a strong start in their second season together. I don’t like the player absences by design (load management), or the lineup de jour. But Brown apparently does. At least the 2k’ers should be happy.
NYK were always overrated, like it’s star, Jalen Brunson.
NYC has no package that wont get laughed out of the room. Brunson is a no go, and nothing else is even worth talking about deal wise.
Buddy, it’s been four games and they’ve played zero at full strength. They beat the Cavs and Celtics, then lost at home to Heat and Bucks. All four should be playoff teams. Why does everyone overreact every year to stuff like this? It’s OCTOBER still. Maybe wait 15-20 games before you call any team a ‘mess’ that has ‘no identity’ lmao.
I’m certainly not overreacting, just summarizing where I believe they are after the first 4 games. It’s never too early to assess, particularly with a returning core and internally high expectations. Add in a new HC, it was reasonable to expect they would come out the gate with an edge. Instead, the opposite, they give us a team that is starting the season dealing with issues of focus and effort. Those are NBA things, but I didn’t expect to see it here until March, and certainly not in October. Yes, it’s very early, and that’s part of the problem (no early season energy).
They are not at full strength, but apparently that’s mostly by design (load management) so its likely to be a relatively permanent feature of the team.
RCT -I think you can have a strong opinion after 4 games. I certainly have strong views on my Lakers already
My counter would be A lot of teams play junk ball in Oct so I think more people over react with wins rather than loses. Thats not whats happening here
Iven seen about 6 quarters of Knick ball this year so admittedly not much but it certainly ranked in the junk profile.
To me, and just me, it seems they are moving away from all the good habits Thibs instilled in search of some mystery potion in the wilderness that will get them over the next hump. I wouldn’t like that either, they are rarely ever found ….ofc without a bodyguard Kat is gonna Kat…no answers there except root for Wizards to get some early season wins as a possible facilitator…last night didn’t help.
He’s a Knicks hater. Never about basketball…. I want to see like 20-25 gms. Before I start getting critical.
Problem with giannis is his whole brand has been don’t team up with stars, take the hard road. Work hard no easy way. You can tell he is torn now. He wants a better shot at championship but he also feels a level of loyalty to the bucks for giving him everything he has asked for. They could be a decent team in the east so it will be fascinating how this plays out.
He is working suuuuuper hard this season to drag them to this start, and if he gets hurt this team is soooo bad without him.
Rollins played a massive role in that win and has been very important for them during that stretch.
Kevin Porter Jr, Cole Anthony and Rollins make an excellent lead guard rotation, if they can keep it up.
Was impressed by Rollins, played big. Another late bloomer lol (23 yrs old). Bucks finally have some luck. Looks like no one really gave him a chance. Bucks last yr were first team to give him major mins. He is listed as a PG. i see a 2way SG. He’s long. Nice find.