5 Biggest Stars The New York Knicks Might Acquire This Offseason

The New York Knicks’ 2024-2025 season showcased significant progress, culminating in an Eastern Conference Finals appearance. Despite a commendable effort, they fell short against the Indiana Pacers in six games, highlighting areas for improvement. 

With key players like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns leading the charge, and a front office equipped with valuable assets, the Knicks are in a prime position to make impactful moves this offseason. In other words, the Knicks have a chance to go all-in to win the East next season, even if they are undergoing a head coaching search after the firing of Tom Thibodeau. 

With Eastern Conference rivals (such as the Boston Celtics) facing uncertainties, the Knicks can leverage their stability and resources to ascend to the top. Targeting the right stars could transform them from contenders to favorites, and we explore five prominent players the Knicks could pursue to bolster their championship aspirations.

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo

Proposed Trade Details

New York Knicks Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Karl-Anthony Towns, Miles McBride, 2025 No. 55 Overall Pick, 2026 Second-Round Pick (DET/MIL/ORL), 2028 Second-Round Pick (IND/PHX)

The Knicks’ pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo would be a monumental move, signaling their intent to dominate the Eastern Conference. Antetokounmpo’s 2024-25 season was stellar, averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game, with a field goal percentage of 60.1%. Make no mistake, Giannis is still a top-three player in the world despite the Bucks’ first-round exit, and the reported desire to possibly play in New York is making Knicks fans salivate. 

Integrating Antetokounmpo in New York would create a formidable frontcourt alongside Mikal Bridges and, particularly, a new superteam. Giannis’ ability to drive to the basket and defend multiple positions complements the perimeter shooting and interior scoring from Brunson, Bridges, and Anunoby. This pairing would alleviate pressure on Jalen Brunson, allowing him to orchestrate the offense more effectively.

The proposed trade package, including Towns, McBride, and three draft picks, is substantial but justified for a player of Antetokounmpo’s caliber. Given the Bucks’ recent playoff struggles and Antetokounmpo’s openness to exploring new opportunities, the Knicks have a realistic chance to acquire the two-time MVP and reshape their championship aspirations.  

2. Kevin Durant 

Proposed Trade Details

New York Knicks Receive: Kevin Durant

Phoenix Suns Receive: OG Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson, Miles McBride, 2025 No. 55 Overall Pick, 2028 Second-Round Pick (IND/PHX)

Acquiring Kevin Durant would mean the Knicks have arguably their flashiest star since Carmelo Anthony, offering a compelling narrative for the Knicks. Durant’s 2024-25 season showcased his scoring prowess, averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, with a field goal percentage of 52.7%. His experience and versatility would provide the Knicks with a reliable offensive option in critical moments.

Durant’s presence would elevate the Knicks’ offensive efficiency, creating space for Brunson and Towns to operate. Sure, at 36, managing his minutes and ensuring his health would be paramount to sustaining performance throughout the season, but we imagine that won’t be an issue next season. 

The trade proposal involving OG Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson, Miles McBride, and two draft picks offers the Suns a mix of defensive prowess and future assets. The Suns will almost certainly move Durant this summer, and the Knicks could pounce with the biggest trade package of the summer. 

3. Joel Embiid

Proposed Trade Details

New York Knicks Receive: Joel Embiid

Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Karl-Anthony Towns, Miles McBride, 2025 No. 55 Overall Pick, 2026 Second-Round Pick (DET/MIL/ORL), 2028 Second-Round Pick (IND/PHX)

Joel Embiid’s potential move to the Knicks would address their need for a dominant center. Despite playing only 19 games in the 2024-25 season due to knee issues, Embiid averaged 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. His defensive presence and scoring ability in the post would provide the Knicks with a formidable interior anchor and an immediate top-10 player at the center position for the first time since Willis Reed. 

Pairing Embiid with Brunson would create a versatile duo that would challenge opposing defenses and offer the Knicks a strategic advantage in the paint. However, Embiid’s injury history necessitates careful management to ensure his availability during crucial stretches of the season.

The trade package, including Towns and McBride along with picks, provides the 76ers with a blend of defensive talent and future prospects. Given Philadelphia’s recent struggles and Embiid’s health concerns, the Knicks could capitalize on the opportunity to acquire the former MVP and solidify their interior dominance.

4. Zion Williamson

Proposed Trade Details

New York Knicks Receive: Zion Williamson

New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Mikal Bridges, Mitchell Robinson, 2025 No. 55 Overall Pick, 2028 Second-Round Pick (IND/PHX)

Zion Williamson’s explosive athleticism and scoring ability make him an intriguing target for the Knicks. In the 2024-25 season, Williamson averaged 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, with a field goal percentage of 56.7%. His ability to attack the rim and create mismatches would add a new dimension to the Knicks’ offense.

Integrating Williamson into the Knicks’ lineup would provide a powerful inside presence, complementing Towns’ perimeter skills. His playmaking from the forward position would also alleviate some of Brunson’s ball-handling responsibilities, and these are factors the Knicks have to consider, even if Zion only played 30 games this season. 

The proposed trade, involving Mikal Bridges, Mitchell Robinson, and two draft picks, offers the Pelicans a mix of defensive versatility and future assets. Given New Orleans’ disappointing season and Williamson’s uncertain future, the Knicks could seize the opportunity to acquire a high-upside talent, provided they are prepared to manage the associated risks.

5. Lauri Markkanen

Proposed Trade Details

New York Knicks Receive: Lauri Markkanen

Utah Jazz Receive: OG Anunoby, Miles McBride, 2025 No. 55 Overall Pick, 2028 Second-Round Pick (IND/PHX)

Lauri Markkanen’s shooting and size make him a valuable addition to the Knicks’ roster. In the 2024-25 season, Markkanen averaged 19.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 0.7 steals per game. His ability to stretch the floor as a 7-footer would create spacing for Brunson and Towns to operate effectively.

Markkanen’s offensive versatility allows him to play both forward positions, providing the Knicks with flexibility. His shooting threat would force defenses to extend, opening driving lanes and reducing congestion in the paint. Assuming he returns as head coach, Tom Thibodeau would also appreciate the player’s defensive potential. 

The trade proposal, including OG Anunoby, Miles McBride, and two draft picks, offers the Jazz a combination of defensive strength and future assets. For the Knicks, acquiring Markkanen would enhance their offensive arsenal, making them a more dynamic and unpredictable team in the Eastern Conference.