NBA Rumors: Former Knicks forward was “close” to returning to New York
It’s been nearly two months since free agency started, and the New York Knicks have made only one signing. The Knicks and Donte DiVincenzo agreed to a deal on the second day of free agency, and although New York has been linked to veteran free agents, the former Warriors guard has been the only addition.
The Knicks could still opt to sign one of the players left on the market to fill the backup power forward spot, or they could run Josh Hart or RJ Barrett at the four when Julius Randle isn’t in the game. It turns out New York nearly filled the vacancy with a former player.
According to the Knicks’ No. 51 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft Thanasis Antetokounmpo, he was “close” to signing with the Knicks before re-signing with the Bucks.
"Close.Obviously, Giannis is my brother, and obviously, I love Milwaukee. I love Milwaukee. But at the same time… I want to play. You always want to play and feel important."
Former Knicks forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo says he was “close” to signing with New York
On July 28, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported Thanasis Antetokounmpo decided to return to Milwaukee “over multiple options” that included New York.
Antetokounmpo chose return to the Bucks over multiple options, including Knicks, sources said. Brothers Giannis and Thanasis, Brook and Robin Lopez all reunited in Milwaukee for next season. https://t.co/f0YcRcmvkE
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 28, 2023
Antetokounmpo told BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas part of the reason he decided to re-sign with the Bucks had to do with first-time head coach Adrian Griffin, who said he “appreciates” and “values” the way the forward plays. Of course, his decision to stay also had to do with the way Milwaukee has embraced the Antetokounmpo family.
Similar to his younger brother Giannis, Thanasis values being part of a winning culture. In a recent interview with The New York Times, the two-time MVP said his future with the Bucks organization future is uncertain. Giannis will be eligible to sign an extension in September but said he won’t sign one this offseason, and possibly won’t next summer, either.
The Knicks may not have been able to sign Thanasis as a backup forward this summer, but they could add another Antetokounmpo brother to the roster in a year or two.
