The New York Knicks seem to be the team with the best chance of landing Giannis Antetokounmpo, although there are a few snags in any potential mock trade.
First of all, the Milwaukee Bucks seem to have little interest in parting ways with their franchise cornerstone. While Antetokounmpo wants a chance to compete for a title, he is also on record saying he wants to end his career where it all began. The Bucks, as a result, want to keep him for as long as possible.
Second, the Knicks will find it hard to balance salary unless they part ways with a key player like OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, or Karl-Anthony Towns. Of course, Giannis is a better player than any of those three, and adding him would make the Knicks frontrunners, especially in the Eastern Conference.
Finally, should the Bucks make Giannis available, they will be looking to add as many draft picks as possible. The Knicks, after adding Towns and Bridges in 2024, don’t have the war chest of assets that other teams do.
The solution? Bring in a third team.
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 08: OG Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks gets the turnover from Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks in the first half at Madison Square Garden on November 08, 2024 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
3-Team Mock Trade Sends Giannis to Knicks
In addition to the Knicks, Giannis has been linked to the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors. While Jalen Brunson is immensely talented, pairing him with either Stephen Curry or Victor Wembanyama would be more tantalizing.
However, past reports point to Antetokounmpo relishing playing in New York more than either Texas or California. That doesn’t mean fans should count out the Spurs, however. Thanks to a series of savvy moves, the Spurs boast more than a fair share of draft capital.
If they were to land a complementary piece to pair with Wembanyama, they could help the Knicks cross the draft capital hurdle.
Full Mock Trade Details:
- New York Knicks receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Milwaukee Bucks receive: Harrison Barnes, Keldon Johnson, Mitchell Robinson, 2026 first-round pick (via WSH, top-eight protected), 2027 first-round pick (via ATL), 2030 first-round pick (most favorable of SAS, DAL, or MIN), 2032 first-round pick (via SAS), 2032 first-round pick swap (via NYK)
- San Antonio Spurs receive: OG Anunoby, Guerschon Yabusele
The pick from the Washington Wizards is not expected to convey, although the Bucks land three guaranteed first-rounders. Of course, Milwaukee would prefer to land Dylan Harper or Stephon Castle instead of Mitchell Robinson, although the Spurs would not be motivated to give up two prized youngsters for Anunoby or Guerschon Yabusele.
Why Mock Trade Works for Spurs, Knicks, Bucks
Next summer, both Harrison Barnes and Robinson will be off the books, and the Bucks would land ample draft capital. Of course, even this many picks is not guaranteed to motivate Milwaukee to lose Antetokounmpo, but it’s a better bid than the Knicks could put together on their own.
The Knicks, meanwhile, give up basically what they would have to land Giannis without the Spurs’ help, although suddenly the deal is a bit more realistic. The Knicks could use youngsters like Tyler Kolek, Ariel Hukporti, or Pacôme Dadiet to sweeten the pot in future deals, as well.
Finally, the Spurs. While losing Keldon Johnson opens up some salary flexibility for next season, bringing in Anunoby will require some salary-cap acrobatics. Jeremy Sochan, a restricted free agent, won’t get a long-term deal next summer if this deal happens.
On top of that, the salary already invested in Devin Vassell, Anunoby, and Wembanyama when he signs his extension makes trading Fox a necessity, not just a possibility. Castle and Harper may have to sign team-friendly deals, as well. For this season, however, the Spurs will boast a core of Wemby, Anunoby, Fox, Harper, Castle, Vassell, Sochan, Luke Kornet, and Julian Champagnie.
Add in Yabusele, who plays on the French National Team with Wembanyama. All three teams are as happy as possible with clear direction moving forward.
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