3 Best Trades The New York Knicks Can Complete Before 2025-26 NBA Season

The New York Knicks have retooled their roster with the signings of Jordan Clarkson, Malcolm Brogdon, and Guerschon Yabusele, but could be one more move away from being the premier team in the Eastern Conference. After making the Eastern Conference Finals last season but falling short to the Indiana Pacers, the Knicks realize some tweaks are needed. 

The replacement of Tom Thibodeau with Mike Brown raises eyebrows, as we don’t know if this was the correct decision, and won’t be able to provide a conclusion on that until the end of next season. Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, and OG Anunoby are a nice core, but that doesn’t stop the Knicks from making moves. 

We propose three trade ideas that could take the Knicks over the top in the East, which include a bona fide superstar player and MVP candidate, a talented big man, and a two-way veteran. Let’s dive into them. 

1. Blockbuster Trade For Giannis Antetokounmpo 

Proposed Trade Details

New York Knicks Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, Miles McBride, Mitchell Robinson, 2026 first-round pick (WAS), 2026 second-round pick, 2031 second-round pick (HOU), 2026 first-round pick swap (Top 4 protected)

The Knicks have been patiently waiting for the right superstar to put them over the top, and there may be no better fit than Giannis Antetokounmpo. With Milwaukee collapsing after waiving Damian Lillard and failing to retool their roster, Giannis could finally be ready to leave, and the Bucks might be aware of that. 

In New York, he would join a loaded core of Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and OG Anunoby, instantly giving the Knicks a championship-level starting five. His ability to dominate both ends of the floor while thriving in Mike Brown’s defensive system would make New York a nightmare matchup in the East.

From the Knicks’ perspective, Giannis (30.4 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 6.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.2 BPG) is the missing piece of a championship puzzle. New York hasn’t seen a player of his caliber in decades (or probably ever), and his arrival would transform Madison Square Garden into the epicenter of basketball once again. 

Surrounded by shooting, secondary playmaking, and rim protection, Antetokounmpo would no longer have to carry a roster on his own. Instead, he could focus on what he does best: overwhelming opponents with his length, speed, and power.

For Milwaukee, the deal represents the necessary first step of a rebuild. Losing Giannis would sting, but in return, they’d receive Mikal Bridges (17.6 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 3.7 APG), an All-Defense caliber wing in his prime, along with the toughness of Josh Hart (13.6 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 5.9 APG), a young guard in Miles McBride (9.5 PPG), and Mitchell Robinson’s interior presence (5.1 PPG, 5.9 RPG). 

Just as important, the Bucks would walk away with a strong package of draft picks and swaps to replenish their future. If Giannis is truly ready to move on, this is the kind of haul that would allow Milwaukee to reset while keeping its fans engaged.

2. A Surprising Move For Walker Kessler 

Proposed Trade Details

New York Knicks Receive: Walker Kessler 

Utah Jazz Receive: Miles McBride, 2026 first-round pick (WAS), 2026 first-round pick swap (Top 4 protected), 2026 second-round pick, 2031 second-round pick (HOU)

While not as flashy as chasing Giannis, the Knicks could make a savvy move for Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (11.1 PPG, 12.2 RPG, 2.4 BPG). New York’s frontcourt has been plagued by injuries, particularly with Mitchell Robinson, and Kessler would provide a reliable long-term answer. 

Standing at 7’1″ with elite shot-blocking instincts, Kessler pairs perfectly with Karl-Anthony Towns, allowing Towns to shift to power forward, where his offensive game shines brightest. His defensive versatility and rebounding would give the Knicks a balanced interior presence and strengthen their ability to compete deep into the playoffs.

The Knicks would be paying a price in parting with Miles McBride, a talented young guard who has carved out a role, but the roster already features enough backcourt depth. With veterans like Malcolm Brogdon and Jordan Clarkson now in place, New York can afford to sacrifice McBride in exchange for frontcourt security. 

Kessler, even with free agency looming next summer, represents a chance for the Knicks to solidify their rotation now and potentially secure him for years to come with the right extension.

For Utah, this move accelerates their rebuild. Kessler is an emerging big man, but with their long-term timeline still taking shape, flipping him for a valuable pick package plus a promising young guard makes sense. 

The Jazz would add to their growing war chest of assets while clearing the way for other developing bigs to take on larger roles. It may be surprising to see Kessler move, but for the right price, the Jazz could see it as the kind of trade that benefits both sides.

3. A Small But Smart Move For Veteran Wing

Proposed Trade Details

New York Knicks Receive: Royce O’Neale

Phoenix Suns Receive: Mitchell Robinson, 2026 first-round pick swap (Top 4 protected), 2026 second-round pick, 2031 second-round pick (HOU), 2032 second-round pick (NYK)

Sometimes the best moves aren’t the loudest, and a trade for Royce O’Neale fits that description. While O’Neale isn’t a star, he embodies everything a championship team looks for in a role player: toughness, defensive versatility, and reliable three-point shooting (40.6% 3-PT FG last season). 

For the Knicks, who already have their core in place, adding O’Neale would be about rounding out the roster with depth and experience. He could slide into multiple lineups, guard wings at a high level, and knock down open threes created by Brunson and Towns.

The Knicks’ willingness to part with Mitchell Robinson in this deal stems from his expiring contract and durability concerns. New York recognizes that it needs stability, and O’Neale provides a dependable veteran presence at a position of need. 

Along with Robinson, the Suns would receive valuable draft assets, giving them an incentive to make the deal as they continue pivoting toward the future. It’s not the kind of move that makes headlines, but it strengthens the Knicks’ rotation for an 82-game grind.

In this deal, both sides win. They each get what they need: the Knicks gain a trustworthy role player, while the Suns continue stocking up for the future.