Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes would not belong solely to Knicks if Bucks open door

If the Bucks decide to take calls on Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Knicks will no longer have the inside track.

That is the message from ESPN’s Shams Charania, who reports that the Knicks would lose what was essentially an exclusive negotiating window if Milwaukee signals any willingness to discuss its franchise player.

Antetokounmpo had the Knicks atop his list before the season and the sides came close to a deal, league sources told ESPN. New York responded by making the conference finals for the first time since 2000.

The Bucks, meanwhile, have bowed out in the first round three straight years and have not won a playoff series since their 2021 title.

That reality has worn on Antetokounmpo. He still wants to compete for championships and has made that clear inside the organization, according to those familiar with the dynamic.

Giannis is making $54.1 million this season. He has a player option worth $62.8 million in 2027-28 and does not hold a no-trade clause.

Any Knicks pursuit would almost certainly require parting with Karl-Anthony Towns, who was acquired to help anchor a contender but would become the centerpiece of any offer for a top-tier superstar.

Antetokounmpo is averaging 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists while shooting nearly 64 percent. He remains one of the league’s most dominant forces even as he recovers from a right calf strain.

One source with direct knowledge of the Bucks’ situation told ESPN the “writing is on the wall,” though Milwaukee has not indicated it is ready to pivot.

If that changes, nearly every contender will pick up the phone. The market for a two-time MVP and former Finals MVP would form instantly, and the Knicks would simply be one of many teams trying to get to the front of the line.