NBA
Knicks’ Jalen Brunson was made ‘untouchable’ in any deal involving Giannis Antetokounmpo
Zach Wolpin is an NBA and NFL expert who's been betting on the league for over three years now. Wolpin has been a fan of the NBA and has been watching for a decade and a half. He covers the latest news and stories surrounding the league daily. His passion in life is watching sports and being able to share that through his sports writing. He has written about the NBA and other sports leagues through various media outlets over the years like Sir Charles In Charge, G-Men HQ, and TAP into South Plainfield. Before he became an NBA News Writer, Wolpin attended Montclair State University where he graduated in 2021. He studied Sports Media and Writing while in school.
All posts by Zach WolpinUpdated2 hours ago on October 10, 2025
NBA insider Shams Charania reported that the Knicks and Bucks had trade discussions this offseason. Those talks were centered around two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
New York had interest in acquiring the 30-year-old PF. However, there was one exception in trade talks. Sam Amick of The Athletic reported that the Knicks deemed all-star PG Jalen Brunson “untouchable” in any deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo. That’s no surprise, as Brunson has been the team’s top player over the last three to four seasons. While New York would love to acquire Giannis, it would never consider trading Jalen Brunson.
The Knicks would never trade Jalen Brunson in a deal to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo
Knicks Made Jalen Brunson ‘Untouchable’ In Giannis Antetokounmpo Talks With Bucks https://t.co/aW03o3uzs6
— RealGM (@RealGM) October 10, 2025
For now, the Knicks and Bucks will not be striking a deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo. The former first-round pick is set to begin the 2025-26 season with Milwaukee. However, Giannis has sent mixed signals this offseason. Antetokounmpo is doubtful of the Bucks’ ability to compete for a championship moving forward. That’s left Giannis considering other options for his career. Recently, NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Antetokounmpo has one other team in mind besides the Bucks.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has an interest in joining the Knicks. Milwaukee and New York were involved in trade talks this August. However, the two sides did not strike a deal. In those discussions, the Knicks made it clear that PG Jalen Brunson was “untouchable.” Ahead of the 2022-23 season, Brunson signed with the Knicks after four years with the Mavericks.
Jalen Brunson is “untouchable” in trade talks with the Bucks for Giannis Antetokounmpo, per @sam_amick
“In terms of possible players being involved, the common sense lens turns toward Karl-Antony Towns, OG Anunoby and Mitchell Robinson”
(https://t.co/H4wghPvWw4) pic.twitter.com/Rtj9wD3Kj3
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) October 10, 2025
The 29-year-old has quickly become a fan favorite and one of the most popular players in New York. During his 2024-25 campaign, Jalen Brunson started 65 of 82 games for the Knicks. He averaged 26.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game. Additionally, he was voted All-NBA second team and was named Clutch Player of the year in 2024-25.
While the Knicks had interest in acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo, they made Jalen Brunson “untouchable.” If New York wants to acquire Giannis, it’ll have to part ways with other talent on their roster. Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Mitchell Robinson will all be on the chopping block if the teams continue to pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Knicks are lacking draft capital after giving up five first-round picks to acquire Bridges from the Nets. We’ll have to wait and see if New York is ever able to strike a deal for the superstar PF to play in Madison Square Garden.
