The New York Knicks are on a historic run right now, and Lakers legend Magic Johnson won’t stand for anyone trying to discredit their performance. In a recent appearance on First Take, the former NBA point guard came to their defense as they stand on the cusp of their first title in 53 years.
Specifically, Magic addressed the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors. Ever since being named as Antetokounmpo’s most preferred destination, the Knicks have been heavily tied to his future. According to Magic, however, the Knicks should forget about Giannis and build up the core that has them one win away from the title (Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges).
“I don’t wanna hear no talk about Giannis, or no other player coming to this team,” said Magic. “This is a great team. I’ve watched a lot of basketball. The way these guys love each other. Play for each other. Pull for one another. You’re not gonna see this anywhere else. The grit, the toughness; that’s how they beat you. Together.”
In the NBA, it’s far too easy to fall into the trap of giving up everything in pursuit of a superstar. We’ve seen it happen plenty of times over the years, with varying results. But with a 15-3 playoff record this year (including 3-1 against the Spurs in the Finals), it would be a mistake to make drastic changes that would alter the team’s chemistry. Instead, Johnson believes the Knicks should focus on making smaller upgrades to the supporting cast.
“You keep them together and make small changes. This team knows how to play so well with each other,” Magic added. “And off of Brunson. Everybody is comfortable in their role. KAT could start for another team tomorrow. OG can go to another team and be a star. But he’s good at playing his role. Bridges too. And Hart, no two guard rebounds like Josh Hart. So you’ve got the pieces, and they’re all happy.”
Trading for Giannis, who averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game on 62.4% shooting and 33.3% shooting from three, sounds like a dream on paper, but what would the Knicks have to give up to get him? At the very least, they would likely have to part with Karl-Anthony Towns to make the salary work, and we know the Bucks would demand some draft compensation on top of role players like Josh Hart or Miles McBride.
“Now, if you trade for Giannis, how many dudes you gotta give up just to get him? It’s a different team now. The whole team changes,” Magic said. “This team. I love this team. I love the Knicks. They play basketball right. Don’t change.”
In the NBA, teams that are complacent often fall behind, but that doesn’t mean they should always be changing. Right now, the Knicks have found something that works, and they are better off leaning into it than risking it all for a blockbuster trade. Whether they win or lose this series, we can expect the Knicks to run it back next season after such a miraculous run.
As someone who has won five championships himself, Magic Johnson knows what it takes to succeed at the highest levels, and he sees something special with this Knicks team. That’s why he wants to see them stay together this summer, even despite all the noise surrounding disgruntled superstars.
