Mike Brown
Getty
Knicks head coach Mike Brown during a game against the Phoenix Suns in January 2026
The NBA trade rumor mill has surged into overdrive following reports that Giannis Antetokounmpo is “ready for a new home,” a development that has put several teams, including the New York Knicks, on high alert.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, multiple franchises have already made “aggressive” offers to the Milwaukee Bucks for the 10-time All-Star.
Charania added that the Knicks, along with the Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Golden State Warriors, are among the teams seriously monitoring the situation.
That said, Milwaukee is reportedly seeking a “blue-chip young talent” and a significant package of draft picks in any potential deal.
Those demands may place Antetokounmpo out of reach for New York, forcing the front office to pivot toward more attainable upgrades as the February 5 trade deadline approaches.
New York Knicks Among Teams Monitoring Missi
According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, Pelicans center Yves Missi has attracted widespread interest across the league, with the Knicks firmly among a growing list of suitors.
“New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi has drawn significant trade interest, including the Pacers, Hawks, Celtics, Knicks, Bulls, Lakers, and Raptors as suitors, league sources told HoopsHype,” Scotto reported.
Through 41 games this season, Missi is averaging 5.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. That represents a step back from his rookie campaign in 2024-25, when he earned All-Rookie Second Team honors.
The decline has largely been attributed to a fluctuating role amid organizational changes in New Orleans rather than a drop-off in ability.
For the Knicks, Missi’s appeal lies in his defensive presence and long-term upside, particularly as they continue to search for frontcourt depth.
Much of New York’s trade chatter, however, continues to revolve around Guerschon Yabusele. His offseason arrival was initially praised, but the fit has not materialized as hoped.
The 30-year-old has struggled to secure a consistent role under head coach Mike Brown, averaging just 2.8 points and 2.1 rebounds in 9.0 minutes per game across 40 appearances.
Yabusele is earning $5.5 million this season, with a $5.7 million player option for the 2026-27 campaign looming. The Knicks are motivated to move his contract before that option comes into play, making the deadline their final opportunity to do so, per NBA insider Marc Stein
Knicks Exploring Multiple Trade Pathways
Scotto also reported that New York has discussed potential trade frameworks involving Yabusele with both the Pelicans and the San Antonio Spurs.
“The Knicks inquired about Missi and guard Jose Alvarado, as I previously reported for HoopsHype during an SNY TV guest appearance,” he added. “Those talks involved Yabusele, sources said, and there were rumblings that former first-round pick Pacome Dadiet was also discussed.”
New Orleans is believed to be holding out for a first-round pick in any deal for Missi. Scotto also noted whispers of a possible package involving Yabusele and Dadiet in discussions with San Antonio for forward Jeremy Sochan, though the Spurs were believed to be unwilling to take on Yabusele’s salary.
Elsewhere, Forbes’ Evan Sidery has reported that the Knicks and Phoenix Suns have explored a potential swap centered on Yabusele and Nick Richards, though it remains unclear whether those talks progressed beyond preliminary stages.
In terms of draft assets, New York controls the Washington Wizards’ first-round pick if it lands between picks 9 and 30, a scenario widely viewed as unlikely. If it does not convey, the pick converts into two second-round selections in 2026 and 2027.
While the Knicks lack the draft capital to make a blockbuster move, Scotto has noted that those Wizards second-round picks are viewed as valuable around the league. New York appears intent on leveraging those second-rounders to improve the roster in the short-term.
Whether the Pelicans are willing to lower their asking price for Missi remains to be seen. What is clear, though, is that Yabusele’s contract has become one of the Knicks’ most pressing situations to resolve as the trade deadline draws near.