Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
Episode: Hour 3: Giannis Ready To Move?
Date: January 28, 2026
Hosts: Don Hahn, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg (focus in this hour: Don Hahn & Alan Hahn)
Overview
This episode centers on the swirling rumors about NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo’s potential trade from the Milwaukee Bucks—specifically, the buzz around the New York Knicks as a possible destination. The hosts dissect what’s real, what’s speculation, and what it would take for a deal to actually happen. A substantial portion also dives into trade deadline drama, NBA rumor culture, and a lively sidebar on boy bands—showing the show's signature blend of New York sports and engaging, unpredictable tangents.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Giannis Trade Rumors: Reality Check
- State of the Rumor Mill: While major outlets and insiders like Shams Charania (featured via quote) are discussing active talks between the Bucks and teams including the Knicks, Don and Alan explain why a move is unlikely to happen soon.
- What the Bucks Want: (02:08) Shams: “The Bucks are being patient, but my sources say ... they want either a young blue chip talent and or a surplus of draft picks and probably a combination of both ... they're not in any rush."
- Power Dynamic: Giannis holds ultimate leverage. As Alan summarizes, until Giannis states that he wants out, the Bucks have no incentive to deal him now (03:06). “Giannis is the one that has the power. The problem is he's afraid to wield it.” – Alan Hahn
- Will Giannis Force the Issue?: The hosts note a pattern—Giannis avoids coming off as “the bad guy” by refusing to publicly request a trade, deferring blame to his agent or the team (04:43, 15:01).
- Timing & Leverage: This is framed as an “offseason” (not trade deadline) move at best. As the contract winds down, Giannis’s leverage—specifically in picking his destination—vastly increases.
- Reality for the Knicks: Knicks and other interested teams lack the “young blue-chip talent and picks” demanded unless this drags into the offseason and Giannis names New York as his target (03:01, 12:29).
2. NBA Deadline Drama & Rumor Machine
- Cycle of Speculation: The NBA's “dog days” before the playoff push always breed rumors, especially involving stars and big markets (06:44).
- Annual Tradition: There is always a headline-grabbing, disgruntled star, but 90% of rumors never happen. “It’s the annual tradition in the NBA, the trade deadline rumors and the drama, and the players love and hate this time of year.” (09:40)
- Actual Market Activity: “You stay involved, because that’s what a smart organization does.” (05:13) – Alan, on why all teams, including the Knicks, keep calling but likely can’t pull off the blockbuster.
- Other Potential Movers: Ja Morant, Zion Williamson, and Anthony Davis were discussed as likely trade candidates, but all are facing health or value issues (08:07).
- Subtle Moves Matter: The Knicks, if anything, are more likely to make quieter tweaks rather than shaking up the roster for a star (11:09, 30:18 – caller Rob).
3. Challenges in Blockbuster Trades
- CBA Constraints: Alan and Don dive into new salary cap rules, namely, the “second apron” putting added financial complexity on large trades (32:38).
- Roster Fit: Gutting the team for one star risks repeating mistakes, as seen with the Bucks’ own Lillard trade (49:31).
4. The “Bad Guy” Problem and Modern Athlete PR
- Owning the Narrative: The hosts argue Giannis would be better served by publicly acknowledging he wants out, citing examples from other sports (Stafford, Ray Bourque, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, 15:54).
- Modern Media Strategy: Leaks are often calculated, intended to stir the fanbase of the target team and create pressure (16:50).
- “Can't have it both ways”: Wanting a trade but also wanting to avoid being blamed or booed ultimately backfires (15:59, 19:08).
5. NBA Landscape & Knicks’ Place in the Picture
- Current Contenders: It’s “basically OKC versus the field,” with Detroit, Cleveland, and New York considered in the East mix, but skepticism remains about new powers like Detroit (07:08).
- Trade Deadline Impact: Recent precedent says it’s rare a midseason deal vaults a team to true contention (discussed with Jimmy Butler’s move to the Warriors in the past, Luka to Lakers). Not likely this year (11:27).
- Knicks’ Urgency: There’s a sense of “desperation” for the Knicks to get over the top, but the ceiling may not be much higher via trade this year without disrupting team chemistry (11:09, 49:06).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
Giannis Rumor Deep Dive
- Shams Charania (via Audio, 02:08):
“The Bucks are being patient, but my sources say that they want either a young blue chip talent and or a surplus of draft picks and probably a combination of both...”
- Don Hahn (03:06):
“Giannis is the one that has the power. The problem is he's afraid to wield it. He will not say the words that need to be said...”
- Alan Hahn (15:02):
“Somebody, his agent, whatever it is, somebody has to give him better advice than to pretend that this is out of your control and that you're happy here.”
- Don Hahn (19:08):
“If he doesn't say the words, his dream [of being a Knick] won't come true.”
- On The Bucks' Motives (05:13):
“You stay involved because that’s what a smart organization does… But what no one knows is that the Bucks are putting the price so high that it can’t possibly be met.”
NBA Speculation as Entertainment
- Don Hahn (08:07):
“There’s always the name player that is disgruntled every year... Fans love rumors, they love speculation and they love that when it involves brand names.”
- Alan Hahn (09:40):
“As I've always said, every year it's the same thing. 90% of what you hear never happens.”
Knicks Fan Caller Exchange & Trade Machinations
- Caller (31:16):
“I think the Knicks have upper hand and that he wants to come to the Knicks... Where would you draw the line?”
- Alan and Don explain, “You gotta be smart with pieces... because of the CBA, second apron... it’s not 1973 trading for Jerry Lucas. Right. It's a lot harder.” (32:38)
- Caller, Moose (34:17):
“Considering the logistics of a new offense, new head coach, new teammates, and less than two months to get chemistry together, it seems like a recipe for disaster for them to trade for Giannis in season.”
- Don responds: “I've been saying that since October. You have to see if you can get this guy’s head right... if you can, he could be really special.” (35:57)
Sidebar: Boy Band Taxonomy
- The second half of the episode is a spirited debate over the true definition of a “boy band” including listener calls, cross-generational acts, and tangents ranging from The Beatles to the Jackson 5, New Kids on the Block, and One Direction.
- Don: “My name was put under Beatles ... but I don’t consider the Beatles a boy band.” (23:31)
- Alan (28:02): “A bunch of singers that dance in sequence... Record companies form these things.”
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:58 — Intro to Giannis segment (“The Giannis of it all”)
- 02:08 — Shams Charania details the Bucks’ trade demands
- 03:06–05:55 — Alan and Don: Giannis trade power dynamics; why a deal won’t happen unless Giannis forces it
- 06:44–10:30 — The NBA trade deadline rumor cycle; why it’s annual tradition and mostly smoke
- 11:09–12:29 — Knicks’ likely approach: subtle moves over blockbusters
- 15:01–19:08 — “Bad guy” dilemma; how Giannis mirrors or differs from stars in other sports; the PR chess game
- 30:18 — Caller Rob: Should Knicks focus on “lesser moves” now? Don: Yes, tweaks over blowups
- 32:38 — CBA complexities around trades explained
- 34:17–36:49 — Caller Moose: In-season trade for Giannis makes no basketball sense
- 49:06 — Who’s untouchable if Knicks try for Giannis? Don: "Brunson, maybe OG," but warns about gutting the team
Final Thoughts
This hour exemplifies why Don, Hahn & Rosenberg is a New York sports institution: sharp, pragmatic insight into the ever-churning basketball rumor mill, especially as it relates to the Knicks, candid shots at both player and organizational motivations, and an unmistakable sense of humor that always finds room for a few passionate pop culture tangents.
Their consensus: Expect more smoke than fire before the NBA trade deadline. For Giannis to become a Knick, the “worst-kept secret in the league,” he needs to openly claim it—and the Bucks to accept less than their (currently outrageous) asking price.
Until then, it’s “daily content” for fans and media… and, for Don and Alan, plenty to talk about.
For Knicks fans, NBA drama enthusiasts, or anyone curious if the Beatles are really a boy band, this episode delivers insight, skepticism, and laughter in equal measure.