The New York Knicks are still chasing a championship, but around the NBA, executives already believe they could become one of the biggest players in the looming sweepstakes for Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Milwaukee Bucks are once again expected to engage in serious trade discussions involving Antetokounmpo entering the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago.
“Sometime over the next six or seven weeks we’ll decide whether Giannis is going to sign a max contract and stay with us or he’s going to play somewhere else,” Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam said Wednesday.
The report immediately reignited speculation around the Knicks, who, according to ESPN, pursued Antetokounmpo before the February trade deadline after the two-time MVP had previously expressed openness to playing in New York.
Now, after Milwaukee’s disastrous 32-50 season that ended outside the playoffs and play-in tournament, rival executives expect the Giannis trade market to dominate the offseason.
Mikal Bridges’ Playoff Breakout Complicates Knicks’ Giannis Pursuit
One major wrinkle for New York is the postseason emergence of Mikal Bridges.
Bridges was quietly linked to Giannis trade speculation in a potential three-team trade with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Instead, Bridges has become one of the biggest reasons the Knicks suddenly look capable of winning the Eastern Conference without making another superstar swing.
The Knicks have now won seven straight playoff games, including a second-round sweep of the Philadelphia 76ers, with Bridges anchoring a suffocating defense.
In the first round, Bridges helped contain Nickeil Alexander-Walker. He followed that by frustrating Tyrese Maxey throughout the Philadelphia series and later shifting onto Paul George after OG Anunoby went down with an injury.
Offensively, Bridges has rediscovered his rhythm as well, averaging 20.5 points over his last four playoff games while shooting 53.8% from 3-point range.
His turnaround has strengthened belief internally that the Knicks may already possess a championship-caliber core.
New York’s Lack of Draft Assets
Unlike teams such as the Golden State Warriors or Miami Heat, the Knicks do not possess overwhelming draft capital to easily outbid the field for Antetokounmpo.
New York’s draft arsenal is relatively limited compared to other Giannis suitors. The Knicks currently control only a handful of second-round picks — including Nos. 31 and 55 in this year’s draft — along with several future pick swaps. Their No. 24 first-round pick this June also cannot be traded because of the NBA’s Stepien Rule, as New York already owes the Brooklyn Nets unprotected first-round picks in 2027, 2029 and 2031 as part of the blockbuster trade that brought Bridges to Madison Square Garden.
That means the Knicks’ strongest trade appeal could center more on proven win-now players such as Bridges, Towns, Anunoby and younger rotation pieces rather than draft volume.
But that approach becomes increasingly complicated as the Knicks continue rolling through the postseason.
Knicks’ Playoff Run Could Shape Offseason Philosophy
The Knicks completed a stunning sweep of Philadelphia with a 144-114 victory Sunday, tying the NBA postseason record with 25 made 3-pointers while advancing to the Eastern Conference finals for the second straight season.
Coach Mike Brown has guided New York to seven consecutive playoff wins, while Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Bridges and Josh Hart have formed one of the NBA’s deepest and most balanced playoff groups.
Still, league executives believe the Knicks’ playoff finish could ultimately determine how aggressively the franchise pursues Antetokounmpo.
If New York reaches the NBA Finals — or wins the championship — the organization could become far more protective of its current core.
But if the Knicks fall short despite their dominant postseason run, rival executives expect Giannis trade rumors involving New York to reignite immediately.
Antetokounmpo remains one of the few players widely viewed around the league as capable of transforming a contender into a dynasty.
And if he officially becomes available, the Knicks are expected to be right in the middle of the NBA’s next blockbuster chase.
Like HEAVY’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on HEAVY
The post Knicks Linked to Giannis Again, But Trade Gets Complicated by Unexpected Star Turn appeared first on HEAVY.