Giannis Antetokounmpo Deadline: Bucks or Knicks?

Merlin sees a clear deadline arriving for the Milwaukee Bucks. League talk says Giannis Antetokounmpo may only have until the end of the 2025 26 season before he needs to be on a team he thinks can win a title by the start of the 2026 27 season. Reports link him strongly to the New York Knicks, and Giannis called trade talk "like temptation." Doc Rivers pushed back with "there's been no conversations," even as Giannis averages 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists through 17 games and sits out with a right calf injury. Merlin senses urgency. With a 10 win 15 loss start, a looming Feb. 5 trade deadline and ongoing talks between Giannis and his agent, Milwaukee must show a clear plan or risk watching the calendar decide for them. New York waits, ready to pounce if the Bucks falter.