The New York Knicks enter the 2025-26 campaign with a stacked roster in a wide-open Eastern Conference, though some of those pieces could help them land one of the best players on the planet.
The Knicks are preparing to make a run at the NBA Finals after losing to the Indiana Pacers in the conference finals last season. While their core remains intact, the organization strengthened its second unit this offseason.
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks are doing everything they can to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo in town. Still, it may not be enough, as the two-time MVP may be looking to chase a title elsewhere in the prime of his career.
MORE: Knicks' all-time Giannis trade blunder likely ruined future shot to acquire Bucks' 2-time MVP
Knicks urged to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo
The superstar forward had been at the center of trade speculation all offseason, though rumors have cooled slightly with the regular season fast approaching. Bucks general manager Jon Horst reportedly sat down with Antetokounmpo to discuss his future this summer, and for now, the nine-time All-Star appears set to stay in Milwaukee.
However, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Knicks were the only team Antetokounmpo expressed interest in playing for outside of Milwaukee during those conversations, leaving the door open for a potential trade in the future. Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz recently identified an “ambitious trade target” for every team this season, and naturally, Antetokounmpo was the choice for New York.
“With so many high-salary players, a swap for Antetokounmpo and his $54.1 million contract number would be easier to pull off for the Knicks than most teams,” he wrote. “A third franchise would likely need to be involved, with Karl Anthony-Towns or OG Anunoby headed to a contender who would then send young players and picks back to the Bucks.”
Trading for Antetokounmpo wouldn’t be an easy task. Having been Milwaukee’s franchise cornerstone for most of his career, he would command a massive return.
The Knicks aren’t loaded with draft capital or rising stars — assets Milwaukee would likely demand in any deal signaling a rebuild. Still, if the 30-year-old ultimately requests a trade, the Knicks should jump at the opportunity to acquire him.
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