Giannis Confirms Knicks Interest Amid Bucks Drama

Merlin sees Giannis confirmed the whispers were real: the Bucks and Knicks discussed a trade, and reports that he singled out the Knicks as the "only team he would accept a trade to" were accurate. The Knicks "engaged in conversations" before the deadline, but nothing moved. Giannis has been held out with a knee injury, the NBA is probing the Bucks' handling of it, and the relationship in Milwaukee now looks fragile. Merlin notes the pieces fit a familiar pattern. Giannis has said he wants to stay and help attract talent, yet roster weaknesses and an injury dispute create pressure. If Milwaukee stumbles or Giannis grows restless, New York looks like the likeliest suitor to reappear this summer.