Would you say the Milwaukee Bucks are making desperate attempts to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo? The rumors about the Greek Freak considering an exit have been around the NBA. He wants another championship, preferably with the Bucks. If not, then the next championship-worthy team could become the next landing spot. Maybe the New York Knicks, as the air in the East is bringing in reports. But it’s not about trades right now; it’s about Jon Horst putting everything on the table to have Giannis on the team.

Earlier in the offseason, Thanasis Antetokounmpo signed a one-year, fully guaranteed contract of $2.9 million with Milwaukee. And on Monday, the youngest Antetokounmpo brother, Alex, signed a two-way NBA deal with the Bucks. Simply put, the front office is picking the Antetokounmpo brothers like Pokémon!

However, for the third NBA champ of the household, Kostas Antetokounmpo, the news isn’t great. NBA insider, Marc Stein, reported: “Kostas Antetokounmpo, who played alongside Giannis and Thanasis for Greece at EuroBasket, is not eligible for a two-way deal and remains at Olympiacos. Alex Antetokounmpo was still two-way eligible, enabling Milwaukee to bring the family’s youngest back to the NBA with Thanasis.”

Kostas Antetokounmpo, the 27-year-old talent, had quite the rollercoaster ride between the NBA and G League from 2018 to 2022. During that stretch, he earned a championship ring with the Los Angeles Lakers in the unforgettable Bubble era of 2020. Yet, for the 6’10 center, a return to the NBA spotlight right now appears distant.

Currently, Kostas is making waves in Europe, having signed a two-year deal with Greek powerhouse Olympiacos Piraeus this summer. With experience across three seasons in the NBA, from the Dallas Mavericks to the Lakers, he carries both grit and glory.

So, for now, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the rest of the Antetokounmpo brothers have to wait until Kostas gets the clearance to make a comeback in the NBA. Then, it would be interesting to see if the Milwaukee Bucks can get him or not. Most importantly, it will be interesting to see if they can retain the Greek Freak, because the Knicks’ hope is breathing down Milwaukee’s neck.

Gianni Antetokounmpo would need more than Karl-Anthony Towns & Mikal Bridges for a Knicks move

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks hangs in uncertainty, and the buzz around his next move is electrifying the NBA world. As the LA Lakers and Golden State Warriors fade from contention, the New York Knicks emerge as a daring possibility. Yet their chase for the Greek Freak depends heavily on Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, and how they perform before February arrives.

The Knicks, currently juggling pressure and promise, face a financial maze. They stand just $3.72 million below the $207.8 million second apron, holding a $204.1 million payroll for 2025–26. Towns draws $53.1 million this season, while Bridges starts at $33.5 million, rising by 8% annually. Even after Bridges sacrificed $6 million to help, their breathing space for big trades stays razor-thin.

To lure Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Knicks need more than confidence. He will earn over $54 million in 2025–26 and holds a massive $293.4 million supermax potential. Trading Karl-Anthony Towns at $57 million and Mikal Bridges at $37.5 million could free some space. But flair alone will not seal it. The Knicks need timing, strategy, and a little madness to make it real.

The Bucks are playing the family card, and everyone can see it. With Giannis holding the power piece, Milwaukee is stacking Antetokounmpos like it’s their master plan to keep the throne secure. Yet the Knicks are watching, waiting, and ready to strike. In this tug-of-war for the Greek Freak, loyalty, legacy, and timing might decide who laughs last in the East.