The New York Knicks have a golden opportunity to complete an early offseason blockbuster trade.
Following the Milwaukee Bucks’ shocking decision to waive Damian Lillard, the Knicks could acquire Milwaukee’s disgruntled superstar forward this summer.
“The New York Knicks haven’t hoisted the Larry O’Brien Trophy in what feels like a lifetime, but that drought might finally be nearing its end,” Sports Illustrated’s Matt Brandon wrote Tuesday.
“After reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years, the Knicks fell short against the Indiana Pacers—but the foundation is clearly there. Year one of the Jalen Brunson–Karl-Anthony Towns experiment was far from a failure, but it revealed one glaring truth: Brunson can’t do it all alone in the playoffs.”
“He needs a co-star who can match his energy, carry the offensive burden when needed, and wreak havoc on the other end. Enter Giannis Antetokounmpo—the ultimate remedy.”
“Slotting Giannis into the Knicks’ frontcourt alongside a healthy Mitchell Robinson might raise a few spacing eyebrows, but the shooting around them balances things out. Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby are all knockdown threats from deep, giving the offense enough breathing room to make the combo work.”
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Brandon’s trade proposal sends Towns, Pacome Dadiet, one first-round pick, and two second-round picks to the Bucks for Antetokounmpo.
The Bucks made headlines on Tuesday by signing a highly skilled agent to a four-year, $107 million deal, forcing them to waive Lillard and stretch the remaining $113 million of his contract to land the former Pacers star.
According to Senior NBA Insider Chris Haynes, Antetokounmpo wasn’t pleased with the Bucks’ surprising early-week move, which could create friction between the two parties.
If the Greek Freak feels inclined to request a trade from Milwaukee, the Knicks could be his preferred destination.
Despite falling short of the title quest last season, the Knicks are unquestionably building something special in New York.
By adding Antetokounmpo and finding a viable replacement for former head coach Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks could win their first championship since 1973.
The 6-foot-11 Bucks forward would bring elite downhill driving, reliable crunch time scoring, and formidable perimeter/interior defense to a Knicks squad hoping to take a positive step forward next year.
Antetokounmpo averaged a double-double for the eighth consecutive season. The recent Lillard development makes a Knicks-Bucks deal more than just a compelling offseason fantasy.
More NBA: Mavericks could reunite Anthony Davis with 40-year-old ex-Lakers teammate via trade