Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is recovering from COVID-19,...

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is recovering from COVID-19, sits behind his team's bench as he watches the second half of an NBA preseason game against the Miami Heat on Monday in Miami. Credit: AP/Rebecca Blackwell

GREENBURGH — The Knicks may have had a unique team-bonding experience during their week-long trip to Abu Dhabi, but most of the buzz when they returned to practice Tuesday concerned a player not currently on their team.

ESPN reported Tuesday that the Milwaukee Bucks and the Knicks discussed a deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo after he expressed his desire to be traded to the Knicks. A league source later confirmed to Newsday that talks did take place.

The discussions reportedly never got serious as the Knicks didn’t think that the Bucks were motivated to make the trade, while the Bucks didn’t think the Knicks made a strong enough offer to continue talks.

Knicks coach Mike Brown was asked after practice about the report and if the talks were something he got looped in on. Brown made it clear he preferred to be talking about the team he currently has, not an outside player.

“Our guys are playing their tails off," Brown said. "They are starting to pick up what we are doing defensively, offensively we are getting a little more comfortable especially trying to play fast. That’s what I’m trying to concentrate on now and like I said I love our guys. I think they are starting to enjoy the way we’re trying to play both ways.

There have been persistent rumors that Knicks president Leon Rose has an interest in acquiring Antetokounmpo. The Bucks star has made it clear that he wants to be on a contender and the Knicks are said to be at the top of his list.

"I want to be on a team that allows me and gives me a chance to win a championship," Antetokounmpo said Sept. 29 at media day, where he appeared remotely after missing the start of training camp due to COVID-19, according to the team. "I think it's a disservice to basketball, just to the game, to not want to compete in a high level, to want your season to end in April."

Milwaukee has been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs in the last three seasons.

Antetokounmpo, who is not a free agent until after the 2026-27 season, can say what he wants, but the Bucks don’t have to honor his wishes. Antetokounmpo is not only one of the greatest players in the franchise’s history, he’s a fan favorite who fills the building and brings in sponsors. If this situation persists, the team will likely look for a replacement who can address their needs.

The Knicks, who traded away most of their valuable picks last offseason to get Mikal Bridges, can’t come close to offering what other teams can. Houston, Oklahoma City and even the Nets have much more to offer a team that’s looking to rebuild.

Notes & quotes: Josh Hart did not practice Tuesday. Brown said he is day-to-day with back spasms.

Newsday's Steve Popper contributed to this story

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