Despite having interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo, the New York Knicks reportedly wouldn't be willing to include their star point guard in trade talks. Per The Athletic's Sam Amick (subscription required), it was clear in discussions between the Milwaukee Bucks and Knicks that Jalen Brunson was off limits. It's an understandable - and expected - stance by the Knicks.
Knicks' offer for Giannis won't include Brunson
It shouldn't be shocking that the Knicks want to keep Brunson. He's their best player and the engine that makes this team go. Giannis Antetokounmpo is better than him, but the Knicks want to pair the two together to form a lethal one-two punch. That would be their best pathway to becoming a better team in these trade talks.
Rather than Brunson, the two-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA honoree, New York's offer would be something involving Karl-Anthony Towns and what little draft capital they have left. The problem with that for the Knicks is that it's not nearly enough for a generational player like Giannis. They will need to scrounge up more capital if they want the Milwaukee Bucks to actually listen at any point.
While it's been reported that the Knicks were the only team that appealed to Giannis outside of the Milwaukee Bucks this summer, they won't be the only team in the running if the forward does ask for a change of scenery anytime soon. Unlike the Dallas Mavericks, who only talked to the Los Angeles Lakers when they traded Luka Doncic, the Bucks must get the entire league involved in talks.
Due to their ability to offer a significant package of players and draft picks, the San Antonio Spurs feel like a team that could steal Giannis from the Knicks.
Think about Damian Lillard's situation with the Heat. Miami was his preferred spot after requesting out of Portland, but they never came up with a good enough offer, which allowed the Bucks to swoop in. New York's lack of assets could allow the Spurs to play spoiler like Milwaukee once did if these trade talks eventually take shape.
Whether Jalen Brunson is on the table or not, the Milwaukee Bucks currently aren't focused on trade talks involving their star player. They know that winning could make all of this go away, so that is their goal. Giannis has also made it clear that he's bought in with the Bucks for the time being, so there will not be distractions.
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