The New York Knicks possess a talented, top-heavy roster with a high ceiling.
However, if a championship doesn’t come to fruition in the postseason, the organization could stun the league by swapping a five-time All-Star for an NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks forward in the summer.
“Giannis Antetokounmpo recently made it clear that he would never leave the Milwaukee Bucks unless the franchise forcefully traded him,” Fadeaway World’s Ishaan Bhattacharya wrote Friday.
“However, Shams Charania followed that up with a report hours later that the possibility of Giannis wanting to leave the Bucks if they’re not competitive continues to loom large. While the situation seems fluid, it seems we have to continue monitoring it.”
“The New York Knicks would be a solid home for Giannis if he ever decides to leave the Bucks.”
“While he did joke about wanting to see Nikola Jokic as the future face of the Knicks, it seems like Giannis would make a great choice alongside their core of players like Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart. However, acquiring Giannis will cost them a highly talented player themselves.”
Bhattacharya’s trade proposal would send Karl-Anthony Towns, Precious Achiuwa, Miles McBride, a 2025 first-round pick (via the Washington Wizards), and a 2030 first-round pick swap (via the Knicks) to the Bucks for Antetokounmpo, Pat Connaughton, Tyler Smith.
Antetokounmpo may not have the most aesthetically pleasing game in the NBA, but there’s no question he gets the job done on the offensive end.
As a decisive one-move-and-go ball handler who can quickly get downhill, Antetokounmpo excels when he forces opponents to defend on their heels.
The former first-round pick averages 31.5 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per contest while shooting 61% from the field on the improved 31-24 Bucks.
Although Towns, a multi-dimensional big man who fits Tom Thibodeau’s offense, has started his tenure with the Knicks on a positive note, it’s fair to suggest New York would be open to swapping him for Antetokounmpo this summer.
The two-time MVP would instantly bolster the Knicks’ title hopes and give them a leg up on most Eastern Conference contenders.
Another NBA-altering trade could materialize during the 2025 offseason.
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