After a blockbuster trade deadline, a new report about Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo raises questions about whether he may be the next star moved. While he can't be moved during the season any longer, according to ESPN's Shams Charania, he could eventually demand a trade or potentially sign elsewhere when his contract is up if the Bucks aren't able to contend.
That could open the door for the New York Knicks, who have been linked to Giannis for years now, and up until recently acquiring him seemed seemed like it was a pipe dream. However, with new reporting that Giannis may become available if the Bucks are unable to contend this season, it presents them with an interesting opportunity.
For one, the Knicks could meet the Bucks in the playoffs and could eliminate them in the first or second round, all but ensuring a trade request from Giannis. That would make them a potential landing spot for one of the three best players in the NBA.
Although they are light on assets after acquiring Mikal Bridges last summer, they should still have enough to make a reasonable offer to Milwaukee in the event that he does become available.
The Knicks land Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo in a potential trade.
A potential Bucks and Knicks trade for Giannis could revolve around New York sending Karl-Anthony Towns to Milwaukee. That deal probably wouldn't be the best offer that the Bucks could get for Giannis, but there are a couple of scenarios in which that potential deal could happen.
One is if Giannis were to ask for a trade and list the Knicks as his preferred destination; the other is if the Bucks prioritize remaining competitive post-trade. In that case, acquiring an all-star in Towns would potentially accomplish that.
Towns has been a polarizing player over his career but has had arguably his best season this year with the Knicks, which likely has raised his trade value. That would make his re-trade value higher than it was before they acquired him and could theoretically move him for a better player depending on the assets attached.
The most obvious example would be the Luka Doncic trade with Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first being the haul that the Dallas Mavericks received. The Bucks are likely to do better, but it will depend on several factors, including what Giannis wants -- if he wants out.
But if they fail to make a deep playoff run and he demands to be traded, the Knicks could be high on his list, and they have a reasonable offer that may potentially net them Giannis.