The 2021 Finals MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo, appears to be moving closer to a breakup with the Milwaukee Bucks, and for months now, the New York Knicks have been atop the list of trade destinations for the Greek star.
Both Antetokounmpo and the Knicks had mutual interest over the summer, and though talks quieted, rumors persist that the forward is interested in a move to The Big Apple.
However, a deal that would land the nine-time All-Star might be easier said than done. After all the roster changes New York has made over the past few years, it could make it nearly impossible to trade for him and his $175 million contract.
Barring any monumental circumstances, the Knicks might not have enough draft assets to send back to the Bucks for Antetokounmpo, but still, nothing can be ruled out in the NBA.
Giannis To The Knicks Trade Pitch, And Reason For Difficulties
Writing for ESPN, Kevin Pelton outlined what a potential Knicks-Bucks trade would look like to add the Greek star to the country’s largest media market.
New York Knicks get: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jericho Sims
Milwaukee Bucks get: Karl-Anthony Towns, Pacome Dadiet, Tyler Kolek, 2026 first-round pick (top-eight protected, via Wizards; otherwise, second-round selections in 2026 and 2027), 2028 first-round swap (worse of Bucks or Trail Blazers for Knicks), 2030 first-round swap (worse of Bucks or Trail Blazers for Knicks), 2032 first-round swap
Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report made a similar trade pitch, but instead of Kolek, it included Miles McBride, perhaps sprinkling the pot for Milwaukee to be more encouraged on a deal.
Along with a deal for Antetokounmpo not able to occur until December 15th, a trade like this would be nearly impossible for the Knicks due to the assets they’d give up. Pelton also believes New York would only be able to offer a package like this if no other teams come into the mix, which, now, is nearly impossible.
“Let’s be clear: The Knicks, after trading five first-round picks for Mikal Bridges last year, have no chance of landing Giannis if the Bucks open trade talks with multiple teams. New York has to hope Antetokounmpo pegs it as his desired destination,” the insider wrote. “The Knicks can no longer trade any of their own first-round picks, only swaps and one first-rounder from the Washington Wizards that is top-eight protected this year and converts to second-round picks if not conveyed.”
After giving up so much for Bridges, the Knicks are pretty tied to this current lineup. While they are extremely limited as to the moves they can make financially, sending out Towns and a few other players would be necessary, but they could be stopped by the amount of assets they’d be able to give up.
Why The Bucks Do This Trade
The Bucks only make an Antetokounmpo trade, regardless of which team they send him to, because they feel he is done with the team. The Greek Freak led Milwaukee to its first title in 50 years, but after some rough seasons, both the roster and the relationship don’t feel like it can easily be fixed.
In a deal like the ones Pelton and Bailey offered up, the Bucks would be getting Towns, a player who could be a franchise star, along with two young players with the chance to become impactful. But more importantly, it would give them a boatload of assets. It’s hard to predict if they would go into full-rebuild mode, but they could go either way with what the Knicks could offer.
“Certainly, a New York offer would include significant talent. This construction uses Towns, an All-NBA third-team pick a year ago, as matching salary,” Pelton added. “If for some reason Milwaukee wants to build the best team possible without Antetokounmpo, the Knicks can help it get there.”
But as Bailey wrote, the only way the Bucks would likely do a deal like this for Antetokounmpo would be if he demands to be sent to New York, as Milwaukee could have a bunch of other offers on the table.
“For the Bucks, though this isn’t the best deal potentially on the table, it does give them another big man who could eventually add to the value of this trade. Moving KAT elsewhere would almost certainly bring more picks and/or young talent to the Bucks,” he wrote.
The Knicks would be giving up on this current roster, but they’d add a player who elevates the franchise’s ceiling compared to what Towns could offer. It would be a blockbuster move and require New York to mortgage its future for a potentially legendary Jalen Brunson and Antetokounmpo duo, with some other top-tier wing players.
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