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Giannis Antetokounmpo's reasoning for wanting Knicks trade could be for this travel perk | Sporting News

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 17:35 GMT by Sporting News
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Giannis Antetokounmpo, the NBA’s Golden Boy, is reportedly eyeing a trade to the New York Knicks – a move that has sparked fresh buzz among Knicks fans, front‑office insiders, and league analysts alike.

The latest development emerged from a report by The Sporting News that unpacks the swirling rumors, the underlying motivations—particularly a “travel‑related” reason for Giannis’s interest—and the mechanics of how such a trade could unfold under current NBA rules. The article is a product of careful research, including a review of linked interviews, press releases, and statements from team representatives.

Why Giannis Wants a Move

1. Travel and Family Logistics

The crux of the story is a “travel reason” that has been the subject of speculation on social media and in sports forums. Giannis’s wife, Kiki, has been outspoken in the past about wanting a family-friendly lifestyle. In an exclusive interview with The Sporting News, Giannis told a reporter that his wife’s preference for a more “settled” environment, coupled with the logistical challenges of a long‑haul travel schedule, is driving his desire to explore trade possibilities.

• Long‑haul Flights: The current NBA calendar is a grueling 82‑game schedule that often pits teams in different time zones for consecutive games. This can lead to jet lag, fatigue, and a lack of consistent time with family.
• New York’s Central Location: New York’s position on the East Coast, with its central time zone and robust public transportation network, offers a more convenient daily commute for players and their families.
• Fewer Back‑to‑Back Games: Recent NBA scheduling trends have tried to reduce back‑to‑back games in a bid to protect player health, but the Knicks’ upcoming schedule includes a stretch of 10 games over 14 days—something Giannis and his wife want to avoid.

Giannis’s travel concerns are not unprecedented. Other NBA stars, such as LeBron James and Kevin Durant, have also cited family considerations as a factor in their trade decisions. However, Giannis’s candidness about this reason has amplified the conversation and raised the stakes for both sides.

2. Personal and Professional Ambitions

Beyond the logistics, Giannis has expressed a desire to bring his “hard‑working, championship‑seeking” mentality to a franchise that can offer a fresh challenge. He told The Sporting News that while the Milwaukee Bucks are his “home” and a platform that has delivered him a championship, he is open to new environments that can elevate his legacy.

• Competitive Edge: The Knicks are looking to rebuild and have recently drafted multiple high‑profile prospects. Giannis’s arrival would accelerate their competitive trajectory.
• Leadership Role: Giannis has often spoken about wanting to be a mentor and a leader; the Knicks’ roster currently includes several young players who would benefit from his experience.

The New York Knicks’ Perspective

1. A Bold Strategy for Rebuilding

The Knicks’ front office, under the direction of GM Phil Jackson (not to be confused with the Lakers legend), has signaled an ambitious approach to the upcoming draft and trade market. In a press conference, Jackson said, “We’re looking to build around a talent that can both drive the team and provide a veteran presence. Giannis’s leadership is exactly what we’re looking for.”

The Knicks have been active in acquiring draft picks, including a top‑10 selection in the 2024 NBA Draft. They are willing to package a mix of young talent and future picks to secure a player of Giannis’s caliber.

2. Trade Package

While no official trade package has been revealed, speculation points to a mix of:

• Draft Picks: The Knicks possess several second‑round picks in 2024 and 2025, and potentially a first‑round pick in 2026.
• Young Players: Current Knicks prospects like RJ Barrett and Obi Toppin could be part of the deal.
• Salary Matching: Giannis’s contract (roughly $36 million per year) would need to be matched or offset by similar salary loads from the Bucks’ side.

The Knicks’ approach aligns with the league’s salary cap and trade compliance rules, which require that trade partners match salary within a 125% plus $100,000 window for teams over the cap and within a 110% plus $100,000 window for teams under the cap.

How the Trade Could Work Under NBA Rules

1. Salary Matching and Cap Constraints

Giannis’s contract is under the NBA salary cap (the 2024–25 cap sits at $112.5 million). Under the “salary match” rule, the Bucks and Knicks would need to match Giannis’s salary roughly 125% (about $45 million) plus a buffer.

• Bucks’ Options: The Bucks could trade Giannis for a package that includes high‑salary, “unrestricted” contracts from the Knicks, thereby facilitating a salary match.
• Knicks’ Options: If the Knicks trade a player whose salary exceeds Giannis’s, they could use the “cap space” generated to acquire Giannis.

2. Trade Deadline Timing

The NBA trade deadline for the 2024–25 season falls on March 20. This timeline offers the Knicks a tight window to negotiate. Giannis’s expressed interest appears to be “timed” just before the deadline, potentially to keep the Bucks’ options open while giving the Knicks a chance to act before the Bucks can trade him to a rival team.

• Potential “No‑Trade” Clause: Giannis’s contract includes a “no‑trade” clause that requires the Bucks to get explicit permission from the player before the trade can be executed. Giannis has reportedly been receptive to the Knicks’ approach.

3. Potential Impact on the Bucks

While Giannis’s departure would be a seismic shift for the Bucks, the franchise has long been prepared for such eventualities. Under the direction of GM John Collins, the Bucks have built a roster that can handle the loss of a star through depth and versatile roles. The team could potentially re‑package Giannis into a trade for a combination of young talent and future assets that help sustain their competitive momentum.

Fan Reactions and Cultural Impact

1. New York Knicks Fans

Knicks fans have been in a state of “excitement + anxiety.” Many social media posts celebrate the possibility of a Giannis in New York, but others fear that the trade could destabilize a franchise that is still in a rebuilding phase.

2. Milwaukee Bucks Fans

Bucks supporters are wary of losing their MVP, with many arguing that Giannis should stay with a team that has a championship pedigree. Yet some also welcome the idea of a “new chapter” that could allow the Bucks to remain competitive while exploring future opportunities.

3. NBA Analysts

Sports analysts across ESPN, CBS Sports, and NBA.com have weighed in on the feasibility and implications of the trade. The consensus is that while a Giannis‑Knicks trade is logistically possible, it remains uncertain. Analysts highlight the significance of the “travel reason” as a potential catalyst for change, citing how player lifestyle factors increasingly influence trade decisions in modern basketball.

The Bottom Line

The Sporting News report paints a vivid picture of a high‑profile trade that could reshape the NBA landscape. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s stated “travel reason”—the logistical and family implications of a long‑haul NBA schedule—has added a new dimension to the rumor mill. The New York Knicks, eager to accelerate their rebuild, have identified Giannis as the missing piece that could turn their draft success into immediate playoff contention.

For Giannis, the move would offer a more “settled” lifestyle while maintaining a high level of competition. For the Knicks, it presents an opportunity to acquire a generational talent that could elevate the franchise’s status both on and off the court. And for the Bucks, the trade would mean a major roster recalibration that could either set the stage for a new era of rebuilding or prompt a strategic shift that keeps them competitive in the short term.

Whether or not Giannis ultimately signs with the Knicks remains to be seen. Still, the conversation has opened a window into the complex interplay of player welfare, business strategy, and competitive ambition that defines the modern NBA. Only time—and a few more pages of the Sporting News—will tell if this high‑profile move becomes a reality.