A new report with opinions from NBA insiders about a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade offers some very good news for New York Knicks fans. However, it also suggests they are not favorites in the chase for the Milwaukee Bucks superstar.
There has been Antetokounmpo trade speculation for years. However, the rumors becoming a reality now seems to be as serious as ever. On Wednesday, it was revealed that the two-time NBA MVP and the Bucks are set to meet soon to “discuss” his future, with a decision expected in the next couple of weeks.
It just seems improbable that they would agree to continue the status quo. Especially after the organization had introductory talks with the Knicks about a deal in the summer, and with the Bucks off to a messy start this season. So if they restarted serious conversations soon, what would a potential trade cost New York?
Well, not as much as fans might expect. The assumption is that any deal would mean giving up two-way talents OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges. As well as several future first-round picks. However, due to salary rules, to get a deal done, the two teams would need to match up contracts.
That is why NBA insiders from ESPN suggested on Friday that a deal is more likely to see the Knicks ship out Karl-Anthony Towns, Pacome Dadiet, Tyler Kolek, a top-eight-protected first rounder in the spring, and first round swaps in 2028, 2030, and 2032. Not a bad cost for, arguably, the best player in the league.
NY Knicks are far from a favorite Giannis Antetokounmpo trade sweepstakes
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Pretty much every Knicks fan would gladly give up Towns, a pair of bench players, and those four future first-round picks to get Antetokounmpo. A starting five that includes him, Anunoby, Bridges, and Jalen Brunson would be fantastic on both sides of the court.
However, there is a major problem, according to ESPN’s staff of NBA insiders. They feel that if the Bucks are able to take offers from many different teams, the Knicks have one of the weakest offers that can be made for Antetokounmpo.
“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 outlet claims.
“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.
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After earning his journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos served as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sucka ... More about Jason Burgos