In the NBA regular season, the Bucks 121-111 the Knicks at home. Antetokounmpo was interviewed after the game.

According to Shams, Antetokounmpo promoted trade negotiations between the Bucks and the Knicks during the offseason, but the two sides ultimately failed to reach a consensus.

When asked about rumors that he would prefer to go to the Knicks if he was traded, Antetokounmpo said: "Who said that? I am here (Milwaukee) now, playing on behalf of my team, this is the reality, we defeated the Knicks. I didn't read that report, I tried to ignore those rumors."