Giannis Trade Talks Heat Up: Bucks, Knicks, Thunder

Merlin sees Giannis Antetokounmpo and his agent, Alex Saratsis, have begun talks with the Milwaukee Bucks about whether “his best fit is staying or elsewhere,” per Shams Charania, and a resolution is “expected in the coming weeks.” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst also reported Giannis “already asked to be traded.” This matters because a 9-13 Bucks team looks short on clear championship-building paths, and whatever Giannis chooses will reshape the Eastern Conference. Merlin notes the obvious suitors — the Knicks were linked in early talks and the asset-rich Oklahoma City Thunder are natural contenders to probe — but most clubs will call and proposals will fly. Giannis still holds significant control; the next few weeks will reveal if Milwaukee can regroup around him or must pivot to a new chapter.