The New York Knicks had one of the busier offseasons in the Eastern Conference. Despite bringing back their core from last season and being hampered by the salary cap, the Knicks got busy.
Jordan Clarkson, Malcolm Brogdon, and Guerschon Yabusele were all signed as depth pieces. The Knicks also replaced their head coach, moving on from Tom Thibodeau in favor of Mike Brown.
On October 7, it was revealed that the Knicks explored adding Giannis Antetokounmpo via trade. The Knicks were listed as Antetokounmpo’s preferred landing spot, although New York reportedly did not want to give up a massive haul.
If the Knicks could do the summer over again, adding the Greek Freak should be a no-brainer.
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 08: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks heads for the net as Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks defends 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)
Giannis Would Be Best Player on Knicks’ Roster
Last season, Antetokounmpo averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists. For the seventh season in a row, he made the All-NBA First Team, came in the top five in MVP votes, and received Defensive Player of the Year votes.
Jalen Brunson is the face of the Knicks‘ franchise, but Giannis would have been the best player in New York, perhaps ever.
Knicks superfan Stephen A. Smith sounded off on New York not offering enough to land the Greek Freak.
“This brother is one of the top five players on the planet Earth,” declared Smith on October 7th. If you’re the New York Knicks and you can get that dude to the Garden, everybody but Jalen Brunson, I’m giving up. He’s got to play with somebody. I’m giving up everybody. I’m giving up the cheerleaders. I’m giving up the dance team. I’m giving up the equipment manager. I’m giving up every damn body to get him.”
While Antetokounmpo doesn’t space the floor like Karl-Anthony Towns does, adding him, regardless of cost, would immediately boost the Knicks’ already-strong title odds.
Knicks Don’t See Pressing Need to Add Talent
With Tyrese Haliburton and Jayson Tatum out for an extended time, the Eastern Conference is wide open, and the Knicks are frontrunners. After making the Conference Finals last season, New York proved that it can hang with anyone.
Clearly, the front office is happy with the roster. A player of Giannis’ caliber rarely hits the trade market, and the Knicks may have bungled the only opportunity they would have had.
New York has enough to pull off a trade, but their interest is questionable at best.
Antetokounmpo listed New York as his preferred, if not only, landing spot. If the Bucks get off to a slow start, he might become less picky and accept a trade to a less-glitzy team if it means competing for a title. The ship may have sailed, much to Smith’s chagrin.
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