The New York Knicks head into the new season surrounded by excitement, fueled by their status as early favorites for Giannis Antetokounmpo and the hiring of new head coach Mike Brown. Brown’s leadership could keep the Knicks in the NBA Finals conversation while giving the team a fresh approach. ESPN insider Vince Goodwill outlined why New York could be a top contender this season and how they’d approach the Greek Freek conundrum.
“Off the floor, the Antetokounmpo situation will hang over the team all season following the revelation that the Knicks and Bucks discussed a potential trade of the power forward this offseason. Several key players will be on notice and have an eye on what’s going on with Milwaukee to track Antetokounmpo’s frame of mind,” Goodwill wrote in his article.
Nov 8, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) controls the ball against New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) and center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The Knicks will be watching Giannis Antetokounmpo’s situation in Milwaukee closely, though any major decision from New York will probably depend on how effectively the team builds chemistry and performs through the early months of the season.
“On the floor, the Knicks want to play faster on offense and shoot more 3s, but it has been a work in progress through four preseason games. The Knicks have a favorable schedule to start the season, which should provide an early window into how the Mike Brown era will look in New York.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo in the Big Apple
Jan 12, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts during the first quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
If New York opens the season on a high note, management may choose to maintain the current lineup and reassess after the playoffs. On the other hand, if the team struggles or falls short of expectations, a trade before the deadline could surface, especially if Milwaukee begins exploring major roster changes.
It would be a bold decision to make midseason, but if circumstances align for both the Bucks and Knicks, a trade could finally bring an end to the long-running Antetokounmpo rumor mill.
Dec 25, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard RJ Barrett (9) rebounds in front of Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and forward Julius Randle (30) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Still, the Knicks open the season with a manageable slate of games that could help them find rhythm early. If they capitalize on that and start strong, they could emerge as one of the leading teams in the East, even without Antetokounmpo in the mix.