The Milwaukee Bucks sent the NBA world into a tizzy when they waived Damian Lillard and added Myles Turner in free agency. Many felt the move was designed to entice Giannis Antetokounmpo to remain with the franchise, after reports surfaced that the “Greek Freak” was pondering his future in Milwaukee.
Besides adding Turner, the Bucks added Cole Anthony (buyout candidate) and Gary Harris, and re-signed Gary Trent Jr., Bobby Portis, Kevin Porter, Jr. and Ryan Rollins. If the Bucks’ ambitious offseason moves do not move the needle in the 2025-26 season, the chatter of Antetokounmpo’s future with the franchise will inevitably resurface.
In light of the speculation, Fadeaway World proposed a blockbuster three-team trade pitch that would see Antetokounmpo land with the New York Knicks.
Knicks would receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jaren Jackson Jr.
Bucks would receive: Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, Miles McBride, 2026 first-round pick (via Wizards), 2026 second-round pick, 2031 second-round pick (via Rockets)
Grizzlies would receive: Karl-Anthony Towns, 2026 first-round pick swap
How the Trade Helps Knicks
The hypothetical Knicks trade would create a new starting unit of Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Antetokounmpo, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Mitchell Robinson, with the likes of Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele coming off the bench.
Granted, the Knicks will lose a lot of depth, but they’ll be gaining a once-in-a-generation talent in Antetokounmpo, and a former Defensive Player of the Year in Jackson Jr.
“Picture Giannis (30.4 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 6.5 APG in 2024-25) joining forces with Jaren Jackson Jr. (22.2 PPG, 5.6 RPG), and Jalen Brunson (existing piece),” wrote Eddie Bitar. “That’s a defensive anchor, two MVP-caliber scorers, streaky outside shooting, and versatile dominance. This is MSG’s future-dominance, East-conquering potential.
“With JJJ adding elite rim protection (1.5 BPG) and spacing with his 48.8% shooting, the Knicks plug several holes at once. Meanwhile, Giannis elevates pace and power, making this squad a top-tier contender, not just on paper. Opponents will have nightmares trying to cover that jungle of length and force.”
Giannis Urged to Join the Knicks
During a chat with content creator iShowSpeed, Antetokounmpo revealed that “a lot of people” have been trying to convince him to join the Knicks.
If Antetokounmpo does pay heed to his advisors, he will get an opportunity to bring the Knicks their first NBA championship since 1973, just a few years after leading the Bucks to their first title since 1971. As such, the “Greek Freak” can carve out a legacy of the player who brought title-starved franchises back to relevancy.
“This deal would be MSG’s championship wake-up call,” admitted Bitar. “New York goes bold, sacrificing depth but gaining transformative star power. Giannis (and Jackson Jr.) in orange and blue turn the Knicks into blossoming contenders not just in the East, but league-wide. And the timing is impeccable: rival injuries, strategic hiring under Mike Brown, and fan momentum, all collide with a lineup this explosive.
“However, this would be the biggest declaration that MSG wants to win, and this move bets everything on it. A Knicks-Giannis union? That’s a franchise-defining moment, East electricity, and MSG fireworks. Do not underestimate the seismic ripple effects if this deal lands.”
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