Mike Brown Responds to Giannis-Knicks Rumors

Since the NBA season is just around the corner, the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors have started up again.

The Giannis-Knicks rumors have reignited in a big way, thanks to Shams Charania.

“Several teams were discussed internally, but one emerged as the only place Antetokounmpo wanted to play outside of Milwaukee: the New York Knicks, multiple sources with direct knowledge of the situation told ESPN.

“The Bucks picked up the Knicks’ call on Antetokounmpo, and the sides engaged in conversations for a window of time in August, league sources said, but the teams never got traction on a deal.”

Backing Shams up, SNY’s Ian Begley came out with some intel of his own. Revealing that the idea of winning a title in New York with the Knicks appeals to the Bucks star.

But the road to New York won’t be easy.

“Either the Bucks have the work with Giannis on his preferred destination here or things have to get a little messy,” Begley explained. “He has a demand a trade and use the leverage of his potential extension as a way to dissuade other teams from trading for him, thereby creating a path to the Knicks.”

Mike Brown was asked about the Bucks and Knicks trade talks that went down in August at team practice on Tuesday.

His response, “I don’t get into that stuff. We’re in a great spot right now. Our guys have been playing their tails off. They’re starting to pick what we’re doing defensively; offensively we’re getting a little bit more comfortable – especially trying to play fast. That’s what I’m concentrating on now. Like I said, I love our guys and I think they’re starting to enjoy playing the way we’re trying to play on both ends.”

It’s expected that Giannis will “keep his options open depending on how the Bucks start the season,” Shams says.

It appears the Bucks are on notice.