The trade proposal would send Giannis Antetokounmpo to the New York Knicks
Photo by Nick Paleologos / SOOC via AFP
The trade proposal would send Giannis Antetokounmpo to the New York Knicks
The New York Knicks have endured a summer of change. Mike Brown has replaced Tom Thibodeau. And with that, a new brand of basketball is expected to follow.
While this year’s movement doesn’t include the All-Star additions of 12 months ago, they could still be just as impactful. But, if you’re craving another blockbuster move, Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey has a trade idea that would be right up your alley.
Bailey’s trade proposal looks like this:
New York Knicks Get:Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks Get:Andrew Wiggins, Terry Rozier, Harrison Barnes, a 2026 first-round pick from New York (via Washington), a 2030 first-round pick from Miami, a 2030 first-round pick swap from New York, a 2032 first-round pick swap from New York, a 2032 first-round pick from Miami, a top-50 protected 2031 second-round pick from Utah and three second-round picks from New York
Miami Heat Get:Karl-Anthony Towns
San Antonio Spurs Get:Lauri Markkanen
Utah Jazz Get:Keldon Johnson, Bobby Portis, Jeremy Sochan, Tyler Kolek, a 2029 first-round pick from San Antonio and a 2031 first-round pick from San Antonio
The only issue with this move is that by parting with Towns, the Knicks wouldn’t have the necessary spacing to maximize the impact Giannis could have. Unfortunately, you don’t get a star at the level of Giannis without giving up a top-tier talent in return.
Knicks Could Target Malik Beasley
A far more realistic option for the Knicks could be Malik Beasley. The sharpshooter is currently an unrestricted free agent. According to Stefan Bondy, the Knicks are viewed as a potential landing spot for the elite sharpshooter.
“The Knicks touched base previously with Malik Beasley’s camp and are viewed as a potential option for the 3-point marksman, a league source says,” Bondy reported via X. “Beasley was recently cleared in a federal gambling investigation and is probably the top unrestricted free agent on the market. The Knicks, however, only have a vet minimum to offer.”
The Knicks touched base previously with Malik Beasley's camp and are viewed as a potential option for the 3-point marksman, a league source says. Beasley was recently cleared in a federal gambling investigation and is probably the top unrestricted free agent on the market. The…
— Stefan Bondy (@SbondyNBA) August 23, 2025
Beasley averaged 16.3 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists. He shot 43% from the field and 41.6% from 3-point range.
Knicks Doing Background Work on Beasley
According to Knicks Insider Ian Begley, the Knicks are among a group of teams to have done some background work regarding Beasley and his situation this summer.
“The Knicks are among the teams that have done background work on Malik Beasley’s situation, how likely/unlikely a suspension in 2025-26 was for the free agent,” Begley wrote on X. “ESPN reports that Beasley is no longer a target of a federal gambling investigation. NYK currently has vet min to offer free agents.”
The Knicks need additional floor spacing, especially if they want to get the best out of Jalen Brunson. If Beasley is open to a one-year minimum contract, landing in New York would be an ideal situation. He can then pursue a pay rise next summer.
Beasley was recently cleared of a federal gambling investigation. By joining the Knicks, Besley would have the opportunity to contend for a championship while waiting for bigger offers next summer. Then he can leverage his performances into some long-term guaranteed money.