Back in the fall, banking on the New York Knicks winning a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade sweepstakes would've been a wise move.
With the trade deadline just days away, they have become an unlikely destination for the Milwaukee Bucks superstar.
While Giannis won't come out and admit he wants a trade, the superstar forward is reportedly open to a new destination. Before, the Knicks were one-of-one when it comes to Giannis preferences. Now, not so much.
CBS Sports recently ranked the top suitors for a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade. While digging deep into the top four, the Knicks placed last. When factoring in Giannis opening up his interests and the price tag that the Bucks have reportedly set, the Knicks aren't in a strong place.
"Deuce McBride is a solid young pice, but like Minnesota, the Knicks basically have no draft capital as they gave it all away in the deal for Bridges (they do own Washington’s 2026 pick, but it’s top-eight protected and all but guaranteed to convert to two second rounders), meaning, as outlined above, they would have to flip Bridges and/or Anunoby for the kind of draft assets Milwaukee would covet," wrote CBS Sports' Brad Botkin.
The assumption is that the Bucks "almost certainly" don't want Karl-Anthony Towns. The Knicks would need to part ways with the veteran big man in order to make the money work.
"If we’re just talking potential packages, and all the work it would take to even put it together, it would be hard to make a case that the Knicks have anywhere near the best one at the deadline," Botkin added.
The Knicks took their most aggressive shots with the additions of Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges. They have to live with their decisions.
That's not to say the Knicks don't have a shot without Antetokounmpo. If the Bucks proved one thing in recent years, it's that Giannis' presence doesn't guarantee a title. Beyond the Antetokounmpo idea, the Knicks are still one of the strongest contenders in the Eastern Conference with their current roster. They are tied for second in the East with the thriving Boston Celtics.
While the Knicks started the new year off with a lousy stretch, they are in the midst of a four-game winning streak heading into their Friday night outing at home against the Portland Trail Blazers. The NBA Cup Champions are just as competitive as every other playoff-caliber team in the East. Acquiring Giannis might be a multi-year dream for the Knicks, but they aren't in a Giannis-or-bust situation.
When it comes to the Giannis sweepstakes, the Knicks should be kept in mind. However, the Golden State Warriors and the Miami Heat have gained the most attention as potential landing spots for the Greek Freak as of now.
Newsweek