The San Antonio Spurs are competing for a championship and have taken control of the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes. Don’t expect San Antonio to land the Greek Freak, but Jake Fischer reported that the Bucks plan to wait until after (subscription required) the NBA Finals before making the trade in hopes the Spurs winning the title could put the Knicks back in the conversation.
San Antonio has been in the Giannis rumors since Victor Wembanyama arrived. They have been proven wise for avoiding the superstar. It has let Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper blossom. The team’s depth has been crucial to their NBA Finals run. Fans thought the Antetokounmpo talks were over, but suddenly, the Spurs are back in charge.
The Bucks have to maximize their return after spending years going all-in to build around Giannis. New York might get desperate if they squander a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals, where they won both games on the road. That is exactly what Milwaukee wants, and it is on Wemby and the Spurs to make it happen.
Spurs are unexpectedly in the driver’s seat on the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade sweepstakes
The Bucks are wise to wait. San Antonio and New York are not talking trade during the NBA Finals. Their sole focus is on winning the championship. The loser will be disappointed and looking to make moves to win it all in 2027. The Spurs won’t be knocking down the door for Giannis, but expect them to upgrade on the margins if the Knicks take the title.
New York is in a different spot. San Antonio has three blossoming stars under 23 years old. They are built for the long haul. The Knicks' time is now. All five starters are right in the middle of their primes, and their roster will only get more expensive. Giannis is the ideal matchup against Wemby, and a blockbuster trade may be their best hope of winning the title in 2027 and beyond.
The Bucks are rooting for San Antonio. They want the maximum number of bidders for Giannis. The Greek Freak is entering the final year of his contract before a player option in 2027. He will control the trade sweepstakes. Giannis wanted New York in the 2025 offseason. The Knicks success should have strengthened that desire. If it is the best offer, the Bucks have to take it.
The entire NBA world is trying to figure out how to slow down Wemby. 22-year-old superstars aren’t supposed to be pushing their teams to the NBA Finals. The 7’4 big man is unique and on pace to be an all-time great. He is already changing how teams think, and winning a title this year could alter the Giannis sweepstakes.
The San Antonio Spurs are in the driver’s seat. If they can win the championship, Giannis Antetokounmpo could end up on the New York Knicks. The Bucks are waiting to see how it all plays out. Fans can expect more rumors and chatter. The Spurs suddenly have a massive and unexpected say on the offseason’s biggest story.
