The New York Knicks’ ability to land Giannis Antetokounmpo may not ultimately hinge on Karl-Anthony Towns or Mikal Bridges — but on whether they are willing to put OG Anunoby on the table.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Tim Bontemps, Anunoby represents New York’s most realistic path to assembling the kind of package the Milwaukee Bucks would consider in a potential blockbuster for the two-time NBA MVP.
Knicks’ Limited Draft Capital Forces Creative Trade Paths
The Knicks have been linked to Antetokounmpo dating back to last summer, but their lack of available draft capital remains the central obstacle. They only have a top-8 protected 2026 first-round pick from Washington, which is projected to convey into two second-rounders.
“The Knicks, as Charania has reported, have been interested in adding Antetokounmpo since the summer,” Windhorst and Bontemps wrote. “The question is whether they have enough to get him. The best path to a trade like this is draft capital, which New York hardly has available.”
New York’s future picks have largely been depleted through recent all-in moves, leaving the front office with few clean avenues to meet Milwaukee’s reported asking price of elite young talent and draft assets.
Sending multiple rotation players alone would not satisfy the Bucks.
“The Knicks could send several rotation players instead,” Windhorst and Bontemps added, “but that’s not the premium value Milwaukee is chasing in a potential Antetokounmpo deal.”
Why OG Anunoby Changes the Equation for Knicks
Knicks' OG Anunoby
GettyOG Anunoby of the New York Knicks could unlock a Giannis blockbuster trade for the New York Knicks.
That reality elevates Anunoby as the Knicks’ most intriguing trade chip.
“Another solution would require a third team to facilitate,” Windhorst and Bontemps wrote. “Moving Anunoby could return the young players and/or draft picks that Milwaukee covets.”
Anunoby, 28, has never been named an All-Star, but his league-wide value as an elite two-way wing continues to rise.
“Anunoby has never been named an All-Star, but his acquisition could be similar to what Derrick White — another fantastic two-way player — provided Boston after arriving from San Antonio,” Windhorst and Bontemps wrote. “Similar to White, Anunoby could be the finishing player for a title contender and would drive plenty of interest if he were made available.”
The Knicks acquired Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors during the 2023–24 season in a deal that sent RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley north, a trade that reshaped the franchise’s core around Jalen Brunson.
They doubled down last offseason, re-signing Anunoby to a five-year, $212.5 million contract.
Anunoby’s On-Court Impact Fuels the Dilemma
Anunoby’s importance to New York is not theoretical.
He is averaging 16.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists this season, while his 1.8 steals per game rank fourth in the NBA. More importantly, his return to form has coincided with a dramatic defensive surge.
After a 2–9 stretch, the Knicks have won four straight games, posting a league-best defensive rating of 91.7 during that span.
“It helps when your most dominant defensive player is back to his suffocating ways,” The Athletic’s James Edwards III wrote. “Over the last four games, Anunoby has 10 steals, including six against Toronto. He also had seven deflections.”
That impact complicates the decision.
Multi-Team Structures and Portland’s Role
Any Antetokounmpo trade involving Anunoby would almost certainly require multiple teams. Anunoby’s $39.5 million salary alone falls short of matching Antetokounmpo’s $54.1 million figure.
A framework could involve Anunoby paired with Towns, or Anunoby rerouted to a third team for draft capital and young players ultimately sent to Milwaukee.
One team repeatedly mentioned in league circles is Portland.
“Something to file away: Portland is definitely a team to track here when it comes to eventual Antetokounmpo outcomes,” NBA insider Jake Fischer wrote last week.
Portland controls Milwaukee’s 2028, 2029 and 2030 draft picks from the Jrue Holiday–Damian Lillard deal, giving the Trail Blazers unique leverage.
“And I’m told Blazers officials have always viewed Antetokounmpo’s potential Milwaukee exit as a chance to improve their own roster by jumping into a multi-team deal,” Fischer added.
Fischer also reported that Portland has long admired Knicks wing Mikal Bridges — adding another layer of complexity to any Knicks-centered pursuit.
New York’s Dilemma
Ultimately, the Knicks’ Giannis pursuit may come down to one question: Are they willing to sacrifice their defensive backbone for a generational superstar?
Anunoby may not be the face of the franchise — but he could be the key that unlocks it.