Giannis Antetokounmpo’s curious ‘New York’ comment amid Bucks uncertainty

Antetokounmpo, of course, is fueling speculation that he’d request a trade, intentional or not.

The 6-foot-11 forward had yet another season in Milwaukee end unceremoniously as his Bucks were ousted in five games in the first round to the surging Indiana Pacers, who will face the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals starting on Wednesday.

His recent social media interaction has intensified speculation about potential interest from the Knicks and Nets, both of whom are among the many teams who will inevitably be tied to Antetokounmpo, should he become available for trade.

The Post’s Brian Lewis has long reported about the Nets’ interest in Antetokounmpo as they have amassed plenty of draft capital to try to make a blockbuster trade.

The Bucks and Antetokounmpo are officially scheduled to meet next week to discuss the team’s direction.

This meeting comes after Milwaukee’s third consecutive first-round playoff exit and amid concerns about the team’s aging roster and limited draft assets, heightened by an Achilles injury to point guard Damian Lillard, who will be 35 in July and could miss all of next season.

Antetokounmpo, who averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game this season, has not officially requested a trade but is reportedly open to exploring his options, per Haynes.

Antetokounmpo, who will be 31 in December, has three years left on his deal with around $54 million and $58 million coming each of the next two seasons, and a player option in 2027-28 for well above $60 million.

Should he become available, he will command league-wide interest.