The New York Knicks are the one team that has been linked to a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade longer than any other franchise in the league, as they reportedly had talks to add the superstar over the summer.
While those talks initially quieted, they’ve since ramped up again, and the Knicks remain one of the top teams in contention to land the 2021 Finals MVP in what would be one of the biggest moves in recent NBA history. They would have to give up a ton of assets, but getting back a top-five player in return would be hard to turn down to pair with current star Jalen Brunson.
Though they aren’t the only team in the mix for Antetokounmpo, the Knicks could offer the Milwaukee Bucks one of the best packages in return. If the Bucks don’t want to rebuild, they could still get back top players that would soften their transition into the post-Giannis era.
“The two-time MVP and former Defensive Player of the Year very much remains at the peak of his powers. His star is so blindingly bright that the Knicks can justify making themselves even more top-heavy in pursuit of the game’s ultimate prize,” Zach Buckley wrote for Bleacher Report.
Even without the superstar, the Knicks have been thriving over the past few weeks. Most recently, they beat the Orlando Magic in the NBA Cup semifinals to advance to the Cup Final, where they will face the San Antonio Spurs. They are also second in the East with an 18-7 record.
Giannis Trade Rumors Heating Up, New Knicks Trade Idea
If the Knicks want to take advantage of their current championship window, they might have to act fast. The combination of Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns with their top-tier wing talent has proven strong, but it might not be enough to get over the hump in the playoffs, especially in a matchup against top teams in the West.
That’s why they should do everything they can to go after Antetokounmpo, and in this mock trade, they are sending out a lot to get back the two-time regular-season MVP.
Knicks get: Giannis Anetetokounmpo and Thanasis Antetokounmpo
Bucks get: The trade: OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, Miles McBride, Pacôme Dadiet, 2026 first-round pick (top-8 protected, via WAS), 2028 first-round pick swap, 2030 first-round pick swap, and 2032 first-round pick swap
“This is tricky. On one hand, this feels way too dramatic for a championship-chasing, plus-.700-winning-percentage-having club to even contemplate in-season,” Buckley wrote. “On the other hand, when Giannis freakin’ Antetokounmpo signals a desire to join you, that’s not an opportunity you just pass up, right?”
For New York, it is hard to see them passing up on a deal for Antetokounmpo, regardless of what they’d have to send back to the Bucks. Especially in a trade like this, though Milwaukee might want Towns back, adding the Greek Freak to an already established duo might create the new scariest roster in the NBA. They’d be mortgaging their future, but if that means a title in New York, it’s hard to see all those draft picks making a big difference.
“That’s a special enough collection of talent to overlook the concerns of constructing a superteam in the NBA’s apron era and make this happen—provided Milwaukee could sniff out takers for Anunoby, Hart and McBride,” Buckley added.
Knicks On A Roll, Reach NBA Cup Final
Though they are still an Antetokounmpo-less roster, the Knicks have bounced back after their shaky start to the season. They’ve won nine of their last ten, and sit second in the Eastern Conference standings, behind only the Detroit Pistons.
Brunson’s scoring remains near the top of the league, averaging 28.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 6.4 assists on 48.7% shooting. Towns has also bounced back after his slow start, currently putting up 22.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per night on 47.4% shooting. Both Anunoby and Bridges, each averaging more than 16 points per contest, are also making compelling cases for an All-Star nod, while Hart has been playing the best basketball of his career over the past few games.
The Knicks rank fourth in net rating with a +8.6, while also second in offensive rating, and 11th in defensive rating. New head coach Mike Brown‘s style seems to be working so far, and though New York has some injuries they are currently dealing with, they are on the cusp of winning the NBA Cup, needing just one more win over the Spurs.
All of that being said, the Knicks are still not the deepest team in the league. Making a trade for Antetokounmpo would fast-track that issue, and they’d likely be forced to play some guys big minutes that might not be taking the floor consistently right now.
There’s also the chance that they don’t want to mess up what they have going right now, but as Buckley mentioned, when Antetokounmpo calls your name, it’s pretty hard not to respond, and at least make an effort to go get him.
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