As the Milwaukee Bucks continue to struggle this season, the prospect of Giannis Antetokounmpo forcing his way out becomes an increasingly likely possibility.
“Giannis has already let some people know that places he’s eyeing are Miami and New York if he decides that he wants a move,” said NBA insider Bill Reiter. “They’ve got to be bad enough where Giannis asks for a trade. But there are a lot more people after the last few losses who think at the trade deadline that it’s possible… the Bucks losing is good for a lot of people out there who are at least going to make a run. And there are some teams who think they have the assets and/or market to get them.”
The New York Knicks are still fresh off the heels of their most recent trade: the acquisition of Karl-Anthony Towns. After that deal, the Knicks only have so many assets to give but they might still have enough for one more major move depending on what they’re willing to give up.
In the case of Giannis Antetokounmpo, he’s everything the Knicks have been looking for in a superstar. While he’s not perfect by any stretch, Giannis’ abilities as a finisher and shot blocker are unmatched at his position and it’d make the perfect compliment to Jalen Brunson and his teammates on the court.
After finishing 2nd in the East last season (52-30), the Knicks made some big moves by acquiring Mikal Bridges and Karl-Antony Towns alongside Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby. They hope those additions will be enough to win the title, but adding Giannis would give them their best chance of all.
The 2x MVP is still in his prime and is currently averaging 31.0 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game on 63.3% shooting. He can do everything on the floor and his length makes him a versatile defender in any situation.
Giannis, 29, has risen the ranks to become one of the NBA’s top two-way athletes. In 2021, he led the Bucks to the NBA championship after averaging 28.1 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game on 56.9% shooting. But after several failed campaigns, and parting ways with core championship players, the Bucks have been in a major decline and things are spinning out of control at a rapid pace.
This season, despite full health from Giannis and Damian Lillard, the Bucks are dead last in the East at 1-5. They rank 24th on defense and are 20th in offensive rating. With so much of the season left to play, it’s still too early for the Bucks to panic but concerns are certainly rising for the fans, especially after their underwhelming playoff performance this past spring.
If the Bucks ever do get to a point where it’s time to start over, we know the Knicks will be ready to make the call and, if they pull it off, it could change the hierarchy in the East for years to come.
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