As the NBA trade deadline approaches on February 5, 2026, the New York Knicks are not aggressively pursuing Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, despite being his preferred destination last offseason. ESPN's Brian Windhorst reports the Knicks believe in their current roster and lack the draft assets for a strong offer without multi-team involvement. Meanwhile, teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves and Miami Heat are more active in the sweepstakes.
The NBA trade market has been in a holding pattern leading up to the February 5, 2026, deadline at 3 p.m. ET, largely due to uncertainty surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo's availability from the Milwaukee Bucks. The two-time MVP's potential move has stalled other deals, with only minor trades executed so far, including the Atlanta Hawks sending Vit Krejci to the Portland Trail Blazers for Duop Reath and two second-round picks on February 1, and the Cleveland Cavaliers acquiring Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder from the Sacramento Kings for De'Andre Hunter on January 31, with the Chicago Bulls facilitating by taking Dario Šarić and two future seconds.
The Knicks, who were viewed as Antetokounmpo's top choice during offseason discussions, are not pushing hard now. Windhorst explained on ESPN, "The Knicks believe in this team... They didn't make an aggressive offer at the time to progress those talks. If they want to win a bidding war now, I think it's going to take a 3 or 4 team trade... That is just not happening." This aligns with owner James Dolan's January comments praising the roster's potential if healthy. New York's limited draft picks, after trading many for Mikal Bridges, make a compelling package difficult without involving other teams, which rivals may resist.
In contrast, the Timberwolves are the most aggressive Western Conference suitor, per Windhorst, recruiting third and fourth teams like Brooklyn and Portland for picks, though their offers may fall short. The Heat's proposed package includes Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Terry Rozier, two first-round picks (2030, 2032), and pick swaps, potentially sweetened further. Antetokounmpo, dealing with a calf strain, has indicated readiness to move on, adding tension if he remains in Milwaukee post-deadline.
Other rumors involve Anthony Davis staying with the Mavericks and Ja Morant's depressed market due to injuries. The Bucks are listening to offers but may wait until summer for better assets.
