Giannis Antetokounmpo’s “Love to be a Knick” remark comes to light

As the NBA trade deadline approaches, it gets closer speculation surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo has escalatedagain drawing attention to a previously unpublished remark relating to New York Knicks and the Milwaukee Bucks star.

Michelle Beadle revealed on the latest episode of FanDuel’s Run It Back that Antetokounmpo once openly expressed interest playing for New York during a private environment more than two years ago.

“Over two years ago we said this was going to happen, no big deal,” Biddle said. “By the way, it was from the horse’s mouth over two years ago at a charity event when Giannis said, ‘I’d like to be a Knick.’ We couldn’t say it then, we could say it now. That’s how I got that information.”

The comment has drawn renewed attention as Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks remains uncertain. The two-time MVP and former Defensive Player of the Year became the focus of heightened trade talk earlier this week when ESPN’s Shems Charania reported that Antetokounmpo was “ready for a new home,” prompting teams around the league to weigh in on potential offers.

According to multiple reports, several franchises have emerged as aggressive suitors. ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel identified Knicks, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors and Toronto Raptors as teams actively monitoring the situation. Charania added in an update on Thursday that The Minnesota Timberwolves also entered the sweepstakesfurther expanding the market as the deadline approaches.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s comment resurfaces amid Knicks trade speculation

New York’s inclusion is of particular interest given Antetokounmpo’s past remarks and the Knicks’ recent resurgence on the court. After stumbling after the NBA Cup, New York has stabilized and is now on a four-game winning streak. That stretch includes a 119-92 win over the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night, a result that helped the Knicks reclaim the second seed in the Eastern Conference standings with a 29-18 record.

The Knicks are scheduled to return to Madison Square Garden on Friday night to open a doubleheader against the Portland Trail Blazers (23-25) at 7:30 PM ET. While neither deal appears imminent, New York’s competitive positioning and asset base continue to place it among teams monitoring Antetokounmpo’s availability.

Meanwhile, Milwaukee is still a work in progress. The Bucks are 18-27 and ranked 12th in the Eastern Conference standings. They will look to snap a three-game losing streak Thursday night when they travel to face the Washington Wizards (11-34) at 7:00 PM ET on Prime Video.

League executives noted that the Bucks retain control over the timing of any potential move, with the option to act before the deadline or revisit talks during the offseason if a stronger market develops. The expanded list of interested teams has only increased speculation about whether Milwaukee will move its franchise cornerstone in the coming days.

For now, Antetokounmpo continues his season with the Bucks as trade talks swirl in the background. Still, Beadle’s revelation added a new layer to the discourse, thrusting the Knicks squarely back into the narrative as the league waits to see if speculation gives way to action before the deadline.