While Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors dominated NBA headlines Wednesday, New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown delivered a key update on the status of OG Anunoby — a player who could become central to any seismic Knicks–Bucks trade scenario if the two-time MVP ultimately asks out of Milwaukee.
According to James Edwards III of The Athletic, Brown revealed that Anunoby has progressed to full contact, building on the controlled 3-on-3 scrimmages he participated in last week.
“He’s progressing in the right direction,” Brown told reporters before the Knicks hosted the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden, signaling that Anunoby is nearing a return after missing two weeks of play.
Anunoby’s Extended Absence Testing Knicks’ Depth
GettyOG Anunoby is nearing a return from a hamstring injury.
Anunoby has not appeared in a game since suffering a hamstring strain in the Knicks’ 140-132 win over the Miami Heat on Nov. 14. New York has stayed afloat with a 5–3 record in his absence, remaining competitive in the Eastern Conference playoff race despite a shrinking rotation.
The standout forward will miss at least one more game — marking his ninth straight absence — as he continues ramping up following a left hamstring strain. The timing is difficult for the Knicks, who recently lost guard Landry Shamet for a minimum of four weeks due to a right shoulder sprain.
In recent games, the Knicks have leaned heavily on Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart to carry the load. But Anunoby’s eventual return is expected to provide a significant boost on both ends of the floor.
OG Anunoby’s Value: Elite Defense, Reliable Shooting
Durability concerns have shadowed Anunoby since his Toronto days — he never topped 70 games played after logging 74 his rookie season. But last year he matched that 74-game mark with New York, delivering one of the strongest two-way seasons of his career.
In 2023–24, he averaged 18.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.5 steals, while serving as the defensive linchpin during New York’s stunning run to the Eastern Conference Finals, their first appearance in 25 years.
Before going down this season, Anunoby was posting 15.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.9 steals while shooting 39.2% from three, reaffirming his reputation as one of the NBA’s premier 3-and-D wings.
Anunoby is also New York’s second-highest-paid player behind Towns, earning $39.6 million — a crucial detail as his salary becomes a potentially major trade chip.
How Anunoby Fits Into a Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Package
As the NBA world digests the latest round of Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors, Anunoby’s name has surfaced as a central figure in any potential Knicks pursuit. A package built around Anunoby plus either Hart or Mitchell Robinson, along with a smaller filler contract, fits under the NBA’s salary-matching rules.
That type of deal would allow the Knicks to pair Antetokounmpo with Brunson and Towns, creating one of the league’s most formidable Big Threes.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Future in Milwaukee Now Under Spotlight
On Wednesday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Antetokounmpo and agent Alex Saratsis have begun formal conversations with the Bucks’ front office regarding the two-time MVP’s future, with the franchise off to a disappointing 9–13 start.
“A resolution is expected in the coming weeks,” Charania wrote on X, noting that the superstar is seriously weighing the possibility of a trade request.
Charania previously reported in October that the Bucks and Knicks held discussions during the offseason. According to his ESPN reporting, the Knicks emerged as the only preferred destination outside Milwaukee for Antetokounmpo, though no deal gained traction.
What’s Next for the Knicks?
As New York awaits Anunoby’s return, the franchise now finds itself at the intersection of injury management and blockbuster trade speculation. Whether the Knicks ultimately push forward with a bid for Antetokounmpo or stay the course with their current core, Anunoby’s health and availability will play a critical role in shaping the team’s next moves.
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