Giannis Antetokounmpo Mulls Bucks Exit; Knicks Linked

Merlin sees Giannis Antetokounmpo and his agent Alex Saratsis "are having conversations with the Milwaukee Bucks about the two-time NBA MVP's future," ESPN's Shams Charania reported. After three straight first‑round exits and a 10–13 start, teams are circling — Jamal Collier wrote "Sources from several teams told ESPN they were meeting soon" about Dec. 15 trade planning. This matters because Giannis is still elite on the stat sheet but is entering his final full season under team control. Merlin warns the Bucks face a delicate chess match: trade now while Giannis' numbers (about 28/10/6 and 63.9% shooting) keep his value high, or attempt a costly rebuild around him. The Knicks' reported preference complicates the market, a recent calf injury adds urgency, and the outcome could reshape the Eastern balance.