The report comes less than a week after Antetokounmpo was in New York for the Bucks\u2019 118-109 loss<\/a> to the Knicks, last Friday at Madison Square Garden. Antetokounmpo recorded 30 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists in that game.<\/p>\n Over the offseason, ESPN reported that if Antetokounmpo were to be traded, the Knicks would be his preference. The two sides did have discussions, but they did not go far because the Knicks believed the Bucks lacked motivation \u2014 or desperation \u2014 to actually make a deal, The Post\u2019s Stefan Bondy reported<\/a>.<\/p>\n Just under two months later, that motivation or desperation could certainly emerge if Antetokounmpo does in fact formally request a trade. The thinking is always fluid when a talent of Antetokounmpo\u2019s magnitude is potentially made available, but right now the Knicks are content with their roster and focused on moving forward with what they have, according to a league source.<\/p>\n And Bucks coach Doc Rivers vehemently denied the idea that Antetokounmpo wants out.<\/p>\n \u201cGiannis has never asked to be traded,\u201d Rivers said on Wednesday. \u201cEver. I can\u2019t make that more clear. I go to the source. I talk to the source every single day \u2026 He loves Milwaukee and he loves the Bucks.\u201d<\/p>\n For his own part, Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP, claimed that he was unaware of the offseason ESPN report when asked by The Post after the Bucks beat the Knicks 121-111 in Milwaukee on Oct. 28. After being told of the report, Antetokounmpo did not deny it; rather, he deflected.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t read that article,\u201d Antetokounmpo said at the time. \u201cI try to stay away from all that rumors and speculation and trades. It doesn\u2019t concern me one bit. I try to involve myself and I try to help my team win games.\u201d<\/p>\n The Bucks were 3-1 at the time and had just overrun the Knicks. But now, they entered Wednesday\u2019s clash against the Pistons in Milwaukee at 9-13 and 11th in the Eastern Conference, having lost eight of their last nine games. That included a seven-game losing streak, which culminated with that loss to the Knicks on Black Friday.<\/p>\n \u201cAt the end of the day, I want to win,\u201d Antetokounmpo said after that game. \u201cWe\u2019ve lost seven in a row. I don\u2019t remember the last time I lost seven in a row.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Giannis](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/user-expressly-acknowledges-agrees-downloading-116551032.jpg\")
Giannis Antetokounmpo looks to pass the ball during the Bucks\u2019 loss to the Wizards on Dec. 1, 2025. NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n