Giannis Antetokounmpo expressed his desire for a possible move away from the Milwaukee Bucks after getting knocked out of the playoffs last month.
Since then, a lot of teams have come forward expressing their interest in the two-time MVP, including the New York Knicks.
Stephen A. Smith revealed he would be open to losing Karl-Anthony Towns if that meant Giannis Antetokounmpo would be on the Knicks.
While the trade remains a far-fetched possibility due to all the assets they would have to give up, there is something that could lure Antetokounmpo to make his way to the Big Apple.
The Knicks announced the decision to part ways with Tom Thibodeau after five years.
This news shocked the world, but a championship caliber coach is expected to be named and Antetokounmpo could likely be tempted to go to the Knicks if that is Mike Budenholzer.
Antetokounmpo was putting up big numbers even before Budenholzer went to Milwaukee, winning the Most Improved Player award in 2017.
However, his game took the next step under Budenholzer and he became one of the best players in the league.
The Greek Freak won two MVP trophies and a Defensive Player of the Year award, followed by a championship in 2021 with Budenholzer as his coach.
His departure came as a shock to many because of the success Budenholzer had with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Antetokounmpo put out a message after Budenholzer was fired by the Bucks.
It read: “Thank you for five meaningful years Coach. We accomplished something unbelievable and I’m forever grateful.”
The two met once again when Budenholzer was with the Phoenix Suns in the 2024-25 season.
Antetokounmpo was not pleased with the Bucks organization for not making a tribute video for the former coach and expressed his disappointment in a post-game interview.
He said: “I thought they were going to play a video for him, which they didn’t,” Antetokounmpo said. “I feel like they should.
“Three times No. 1 team in the NBA, two times fourth team in the NBA. Won a championship. Five times in the playoffs. Two times in the Eastern Conference finals. One time in the finals. A lot of winning games.”
There are other contenders for the Knicks job, but the team will be looking for the move that will help them take that next step towards winning a championship.
Kendrick Perkins revealed Denver Nuggets‘ former coach Michael Malone could attract interest, but if the Knicks were to onboard Budenholzer they could have a shot at bringing Antetokounmpo to New York.
There were reports that suggested Antetokounmpo was one of the reasons the organisation fired Budenholzer, but even after his move away from Milwaukee, the two have shown a lot of love and respect for each other.
Antetokounmpo played his best basketball under the 55-year-old and he thrived under the system, which is why the 2021 Finals MVP could be intrigued by the thought of teaming up with his former coach again.
The Greek Freak has been firm on his thought of winning another championship and it is going to be tough to do that in Milwaukee due to the lack of assets the franchise has.
The Boston Celtics and the Toronto Raptors are the other options the 30-year-old can choose, but if Budenholzer is appointed by the Knicks, Antetokounmpo could consider joining him and Jalen Brunson to bring a championship back to the city of New York.
