Giannis Denies Knicks Trade Talk After 37-Point Night

Merlin sees Giannis Antetokounmpo shrug off offseason trade talk after Milwaukee’s 121-111 win over the Knicks. Asked if he’d sought a move to New York, he fired back, “Who said that? ... I'm here representing my team. That's it.” Reports said there were multi-week talks with the Knicks, but the Bucks kept Giannis, re-signed key role players and added Myles Turner — and Giannis poured in 37 points as Milwaukee opened 3-1. This matters because the Bucks answered instability with roster moves and early on-court production, buying a fragile calm. Merlin senses genuine short-term buy-in: the champion’s aura is intact, yet past playoff failures and Damian Lillard’s injury shadow the path. Health and chemistry will decide whether this peace becomes a dynasty or a brief truce.