No Dunks Podcast
Episode: Giannis-Knicks Trade Rumors & First-Time All-Star Draft
Date: October 10, 2025
Hosts: Jay Skeets, Tas Melas, Trey Kirby, JD
Episode Overview
This episode of No Dunks dives right into the latest NBA headlines, focusing primarily on trade rumors involving Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Knicks. The crew analyzes the plausibility of a blockbuster deal, considers the futures of the Bucks and Knicks, and the broader league implications. In the second half, the hosts run a spirited draft, selecting players they believe could become first-time NBA All-Stars in the upcoming season. Along the way, there are insights on player development, team aspirations, and the ever-evolving All-Star Game format.
Key Segments & Discussion Points
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Rumors and Future with the Bucks
[03:46–22:11]
Shams' Report: Giannis to Knicks?
- Shams reports Bucks and Giannis discussed his desire to be traded to the Knicks if things went south.
- A day later, Giannis reaffirms commitment to Milwaukee, but keeps the door open, saying:
“It’s human to change your mind.” (Giannis, via paraphrase, 04:29)
Hosts’ Takeaways:
- Jay Skeets:
“Giannis is still with the Bucs. He would like to remain with the Bucks for now unless things sort of fall apart. This is same as it ever was…” (04:30)
Shakes off this report as another round in the recurring “will he/won't he” saga. - Trey Kirby:
“You may find yourself living in Milwaukee. You may find your brother signed to your team. And you ask yourself, how did I get here.” (04:47)
He delivers a witty nod to the ongoing drama, referencing how the Bucks have tried to keep Giannis happy—even re-signing his brother, Thanasis.
States, “I don't also think that the Knicks are going to pull off a trade for Giannis. It just doesn't make sense this season.” (04:59) - Tas Melas:
“The Bucks are not trading. Yeah. Set to go bow this season, that is for sure.” (05:44)
Stresses Bucks will cross the bridge only if Giannis himself asks out. Buck’s FO met with Giannis in Europe to communicate their commitment (06:17).
Trade Feasibility (Knicks + Draft Capital):
- New York lacks enough first-round picks for a solo blockbuster. Would need a multi-team deal, routing contracts and assets (06:54).
- Next ‘inflection point’ for Giannis-Bucks: Summer 2026, when extension eligibility and leverage rise.
If a Trade, What Kind?
- Trey: Suggests if forced to trade, Bucks might pivot for established talent (like Karl-Anthony Towns & OG Anunoby) over youth/picks, to avoid becoming a bottom feeder (08:14).
- Tas: On New York’s starting lineup with Giannis:
“I'm buying into a Brunson Adetokounmpo center of a team... I do it.” (09:09)
- But everyone agrees: Only happens if Bucks implode & Giannis demands out.
Value of Timing, Leverage, and Media Strategy
- Skeets: Wonders who leaked the rumor, and if it’s Giannis’s camp quietly pressuring Milwaukee (10:48).
- Trey:
“Even if he was lying, people would have believed Giannis, but he was honest about it…does this benefit the Knicks? Kind of. It makes them more attractive to Giannis and kind of puts them in the driver’s seat.” (11:20)
- Tas:
“He’s giving this a one year trial. That’s what Giannis does. He’s loyal.” (12:49)
- Giannis’ actual quote:
“Now, if in six, seven months, I change my mind, I think that’s human too…But I’m locked in. I’m locked into this team.” (12:03)
What Would Keep Giannis in Milwaukee?
- Bucks making meaningful playoff progress would help, not necessarily a ring:
“Forward momentum...would be big time because Giannis has been better than he was during his MVP seasons.” (16:55 – Trey)
External Factors
- Giannis’ family rumored to have relocated permanently to Greece—a fact hosts view as an intriguing subplot (17:44).
- If Knicks perform well, may not be motivated to trade all their assets for Giannis—a la the Melo trade overpay (18:39).
Who Else Could Be in the Mix?
- If wait until summer, Rockets, Spurs, Hawks, Mavs could outbid Knicks (19:22).
- Knicks need action sooner; if not, become dependent on Bucks’ goodwill.
Notable Quote:
“That is Giannis we’re talking about here. I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do and hopefully he’s healthy next year in the playoffs…Because part of why they haven’t been out of the first round…is he’s been hurt.” (20:54 – Tas)
2. Trade Rumors: Lauri Markkanen & the Utah Jazz
[23:51–32:11]
Is Markkanen Actually on the Block?
- SI’s Chris Mannix: Jazz are “very open” to trading Markkanen, who has never played a playoff game after nine seasons.
“Lowry Markkanen is the name I hear most frequently.” (23:51 – via Mannix)
Analysis:
- Trey:
“I think this makes sense…maybe the limiting factor will be Danny Ainge. The guy sets a high price.” (24:25)
Markkanen has a huge contract ($46–$53M over coming years).
“Lowry Markkanen, one All-Star appearance, zero playoff games. I think he's played the most games in the NBA without making to the postseason.” (25:06)
Suitors & Fit
- Pistons/Thunder/Kings listed as teams who could use his skillset, but hard to match his salary (29:02).
- Jay Skeets:
“Because of his contract, like, you don't want to give too much for him as well. Like what is his ceiling as he hits 29?” (30:15)
Comparison to Past Late-First-Time All-Stars
- Markkanen could be a multi-time guy, but context limits potential.
Fun Fact:
- Most games played without a playoff appearance: Tom Van Arsdale (929). Markkanen now leads active list (27:30).
3. Lakers Injury News: LeBron James’ Sciatica & Season Start
[32:11–36:41]
- LeBron will miss at least 3–4 weeks with nerve pain (“old man injury”), first time he’ll ever miss a season start.
- Trey:
“He might be the first NBA player to miss time for a prostate exam.” (33:41)
- Luka Doncic also missing time; both will join teammates later, possibly impacting chemistry with new arrivals like Deandre Ayton.
- Crew speculates LeBron will try to return by Halloween “Cup Night” given his love for the holiday (35:51).
- LeBron needs 50 more games to become NBA’s all-time games played leader (36:31).
4. Deep Dive: 2026 NBA All-Star Game Format
[40:49–43:50]
- New “round robin” tourney with three 8-player teams: two USA squads, one World.
- Format likely a product of NBA’s continued push for international engagement and coinciding with Winter Olympics coverage.
- Open questions:
- How are teams selected (vote, coaches, “fudging” to get best names)?
- Is the World team now harder to qualify for than USA? “It’s harder to make the World Team than the US” (44:31 – Tas)
- Hosts agree the All-Star Game feels like a work in progress and reminisce about previous, less convoluted formats.
5. The First-Time All-Star Draft
[47:18–68:45]
Format:
- Each host drafts a squad of 5 players (no snake draft), picking who is most likely to make their first NBA All-Star appearance this season.
- Major focus on picking international players who could squeeze onto the limited World squad.
Drafted Players:
-
Jay Skeets:
- Franz Wagner
- Chet Holmgren
- Trey Murphy III
- Cooper Flagg
- Derrick White
-
Tas Melas:
- Jamal Murray
- Ivica Zubac
- OG Anunoby
- Andrew Nembhard
- Norman Powell
-
Trey Kirby:
- Amen Thompson
- Jalen Johnson
- Josh Giddey
- Payton Pritchard
- Matas Buzelis
Notable Quotes:
- “You may find yourself living in Milwaukee…you may find your brother signed to your team…”
(04:47 – Trey, channeling Talking Heads to describe Giannis’s saga) - “He is giving them one single year. He is buying in…And then he's giving this one year ticket.”
(13:39 – Tas on Giannis)
Draft Insights:
- World team: Fewer spots means international players have a much tougher path.
- USA team: Injuries to stars like Tatum, Lillard, Halliburton could open slots.
- Several “lottery tickets” and humorous picks in later rounds (e.g., Matas Buzelis, Payton Pritchard).
Debates:
- Importance of stats vs. narrative/flavor in All-Star selection.
- For first-timers, easier if team's a surprise playoff squad.
- Side chatter about rare “older” first-time All-Stars.
6. All-Star Draft “Snubs” & Notable Unpicked Names
[68:45–71:09]
- Desmond Bane, Deni Avdija, Brandon Miller, Jalen Duren, Deandre Ayton, Austin Reaves, Michael Porter Jr., Mikal Bridges, Kobe White, RJ Barrett, and many more discussed as potential long-shot first-time selections.
Memorable & Fun Moments
- Trey Kirby drops the podcast’s most memorable bit:
“He might be the first NBA player to miss time for a prostate exam.” (33:41)
- The group’s running jokes about team-building, whacky All-Star formats, and snakebitten Survivor contestants.
Episode Timestamps
- Opening Bants/Season Preview Notes: 02:13
- Giannis-Knicks Trade Rumor Deep Dive: 03:46
- Lauri Markkanen Trade Discussion: 23:51
- LeBron Injury Update: 32:11
- All-Star Game Format Chat: 40:49
- First-Time All-Star Draft: 47:18
- Draft Snubs / Wild Card Picks: 68:45
Takeaways & Tone
- Informed but irreverent: The No Dunks crew mixes deep NBA knowledge with signature humor and references, striking a balance between substantive rumor breakdowns and playful speculation.
- Realistic optimism: The Giannis/Bucks dynamic is acknowledged as delicate, but nobody predicts a big midseason trade. On All-Star picks, analysis reflects the league’s changing landscape, especially with so many international stars.
- Fan engagement: Listeners are invited to debate the All-Star format, suggest their own picks, and enjoy the casual, friendly arguments.
✓ Perfect Episode for:
NBA fans navigating perennial superstar rumors, those curious about next-gen All-Stars, and anyone who enjoys basketball talk with wit and camaraderie.