The NBA trade deadline is a week away, and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo could be on the move. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst cited the Knicks as a possible destination.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Tuesday that the Bucks were listening to trade offers for the two-time MVP and he could be moved either before the trade deadline or in the upcoming offseason. Charania also said the Bucks would want a “blue-chip young talent” and multiple draft picks to part with Antetokounmpo.
With multiple teams eyeing Antetokounmpo as a playoff boost, Windhorst appeared on “Get Up” Thursday and gave a list of teams that could land Antetokounmpo. The Knicks were one of the options.
“I think the Knicks can make a compelling offer, but it requires them to really abandon what they’ve got going now and then to go out and recruit third and fourth teams that would,” Windhorst said. “Those are big hurdles to cross, but I think the Knicks can make a compelling offer.”
The Knicks have had interest in Antetokounmpo for a long time, dating back to this summer, but the two sides could not agree on a deal.
Windhorst also mentioned the Golden State Warriors as a team with the best chance to land Antetokounmpo because they have control of all four of their future first-round selections and pick swaps with the Bucks that would make it an enticing offer. The other team mentioned was the Minnesota Timberwolves, who do not have the draft capital the Bucks are seeking.
The Bucks have struggled in the last two seasons. They lost to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals last season and currently have an 18-27 record, 3.5 games behind the Chicago Bulls for the 10th and final spot in the play-in tournament.
In 30 games this season, Antetokounmpo has averaged 28 points, 10 rebounds and 5.6 assists. He is currently dealing with a calf injury that he said could keep him out for at least a month.