Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Links Intensify As Clear Favourite Emerges

Rumours linking NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo with a trade away from the Milwaukee Bucks have intensified in recent weeks, as a clear favourite has now emerged.

Antetokounmpo has been with the Bucks since he was picked in the first round of the 2013 draft and has gone on to win one championship with the franchise.

But the Bucks have struggled in recent seasons, exiting in the first round of the playoffs for three consecutive years.

Their difficulties have continued this campaign, with the team currently tenth in the Eastern Conference, having won just two of their last ten games.

Amid that loss of form, speculation over Antetokounmpo's future has ramped up.

Last week, the 31-year-old removed all references to the Bucks from both his Instagram and X accounts.

Although he is currently sidelined with a calf injury that is expected to keep him out for around four weeks, momentum behind a potential move has continued to gather.

Giannis Antetokounmpo in action for the Bucks (Image: Getty)

According to ForeverBet, the New York Knicks are the favourites to sign Antetokounmpo, followed by the San Antonio Spurs and the Miami Heat.

The Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks are all considered outside contenders.

This is not the first time Antetokounmpo has been linked with a switch to New York.

Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported that rumours of Antetokounmpo's interest in joining the Knicks during the summer were accurate.

He wrote: "It's true: There's a strong belief league-wide that Antetokounmpo desires one destination above all the rest in the event that he actually does fully ask out someday.

"New York.

Giannis Antetokounmpo against the New York Knicks (Image: Getty)

"After some further calls, I can confirm that the Knicks, as well as playing in Madison Square Garden, were the specific 'temptation' that Giannis himself publicly acknowledged on Bucks Media Day as an outcome he pondered during the summer."

Fischer also reported that the intensity and passion of Knicks supporters were further factors tempting Antetokounmpo towards a move.

Although the Knicks have not won a title since 1973, they currently sit second in the Eastern Conference, behind only the Detroit Pistons.

As a result, they have emerged as one of the favourites to reach the NBA Finals.

Antetokounmpo has repeatedly expressed his ambition to win a second ring, having not played beyond the first round of the playoffs in three seasons.

As recently as September, he said: "The same thing I've been saying my whole career, I want to be on a team that allows me and gives me a chance to win a championship.

"I think it's a disservice to basketball, just to the game, to not want to compete at a high level, to want your season to end in April."