New York Knicks Focused On Miami Heat ... And Giannis Antetokounmpo?

First and foremost, the New York Knicks are locked in a tight series with the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

But is it ever too early to luck into the future?

The status of Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo became a talking point when they fired coach Mike Budenholzer. With so much uncertainty in Milwaukee, could the Greek Freak be thinking of jumping ship at first chance?

That's the question ESPN's Brian Windhorst raised on a recent episode of First Take. He said the Knicks could be a team in play once Antetokounmpo has the opportunity to decline a player option the summer of 2025.

“The New York Knicks, for example, they got 97 percent of their attention on the Miami Heat, three percent of their attention on Milwaukee," Windhorst said.

Brian Windhorst says the Knicks are monitoring Giannis Antetokounmpo’s situation in Milwaukee

“The New York Knicks, for example, they got 97 percent of their attention on the Miami Heat, three percent of their attention on Milwaukee.”

(@awfulannouncing)pic.twitter.com/CrvxNB4EL2
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 5, 2023

A move could happen even sooner if the Bucks decide they want to get something in return for Antetokounmpo rather than lose him for free. It happened with LeBron James when he left the Cleveland Cavaliers for Miami during free agency in 2010.

Last December ESPN's Jay Williams said the Knicks could have a chance of landing Antetokounmpo because of location.

"When I think about Giannis, he is not afraid to say 'I want that," Williams said. "And none of the media stuff would bother him because it feels like there is a sleeping giant on 33rd and 8th that nobody wants to know. He just feels right there..."

Again, let's just get past Heat vs. Knicks first. But the Heat's upset of the Bucks in the first round could impact the balance in the NBA.

MORE HEAT-RELATED STORIES

All signs point toward Jimmy Butler returning in Game 3. CLICK HERE

Miami Heat favored to win the series by most. CLICK HERE

Tim Legler says Erik Spoelstra doesn't get enough credit. CLICK HERE

Julius Randle expects Jimmy Butler back for Game 3. CLICK HERE

For a look at some of the latest Heat apparel. CLICK HERE

If you wanna bet on any games at @PrizePicks or PrizePicks.com, use our link and code. They will match your first bet for up to $100. Here's the code: PR-R1YOFY6

Shandel Richardson covers the Miami Heat for Inside The Heat.

TWITTER: @ShandelRich

Follow all of our Miami Heat coverage on Facebook here

Subscribe to our YouTube channel here

For any Heat or NBA questions, please email shandelrich@gmail.com