The rumors have swirled around superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, an exit from the Bucks and a potential blockbuster with the Knicks again, but Antetokounmpo insisted Wednesday that he’s not focused on anything besides what’s unfolding in Milwaukee.
He always reserves the right for his stance to change, though.
The Post’s Stefan Bondy confirmed Tuesday that the Knicks and Bucks discussed a potential trade in August — talks didn’t get far — after ESPN reported that the Knicks are the only team Antetokounmpo would want to play for if he left the only team he has ever played for across his 12-year career.
“I think I’ve communicated with my teammates, communicated with the people I respect and love the moment I step onto this court or in this facility, I wear this jersey, the rest does not matter,” Antetokounmpo said, according to The Athletic. “I’m locked into whatever I have in front of me.
“Now, if in six, seven months, I change my mind, I think that’s human too. You’re allowed to make any decision you want, but I’m locked in. I’m locked into this team. I’m locked into these guys, to this group and to this coaching staff and to myself.”
Antetokounmpo said he hadn’t read the ESPN story, adding he tries to escape social media to focus on the Bucks once the season starts.
The two-time MVP, who won the 2021 NBA Finals in Milwaukee and averaged 30.4 points per game last year, acknowledged he does want to be in a situation where he can win, and since he’s with the Bucks, “I believe in this team.”
There’d be plenty of logistical hurdles to pull off a trade, too — especially with the Knicks short on assets after dealing for Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns last offseason. Head coach Mike Brown, when asked about the report Tuesday, said that he doesn’t “get into that stuff” and that he’s focused on getting his current roster for the season.
And Antetokounmpo hinted at more of the same — for now, at least.
“I believe in my teammates,” Antetokounmpo told reporters. “I’m here to lead this team wherever we can go, and it’s definitely going to be hard. We’re going to take it day by day, but I’m here. So all that extra stuff does not matter.”