Giannis Antetokounmpo’s recent calf injury against the Denver Nuggets has added a new wrinkle to an already fascinating subplot brewing in the NBA: could the two-time MVP be on the move? And if so, could the New York Knicks-yes, those Knicks-be the team to land him?
While nothing is imminent, the trade chatter is picking up steam, and there’s one unexpected team that could play a pivotal role in facilitating a blockbuster deal: the Portland Trail Blazers.
Portland’s Playoff Push and a Longstanding Interest
According to league sources, the Blazers are approaching the trade deadline as buyers, not sellers. That’s a shift from their usual stance in recent years, and it signals a desire to accelerate their rebuild and possibly sneak into the playoff picture.
One name that’s reportedly been on Portland’s radar for quite some time? Mikal Bridges.
Bridges, now in his second season with the Knicks, has drawn admiration from the Blazers dating back to Damian Lillard’s first stint in Portland. That interest could become a key lever if the Knicks make a serious push for Antetokounmpo and need a third team to help balance the books and assets.
A Three-Team Blueprint Emerges
So what might a three-team deal involving the Knicks, Bucks, and Blazers actually look like? One hypothetical framework making the rounds would send Antetokounmpo to New York, along with Jerami Grant from Portland.
Milwaukee would receive a haul headlined by Karl-Anthony Towns, Miles McBride, Pacome Dadiet, and a total of six first-round picks-three from New York and three from Milwaukee. Portland, in turn, would land Bridges and Guerschon Yabusele.
Let’s break that down:
- Knicks receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo (from MIL), Jerami Grant (from POR)
- Bucks receive: Karl-Anthony Towns, Miles McBride, Pacome Dadiet, 3 NYK first-round picks, 3 MIL first-round picks
- Blazers receive: Mikal Bridges, Guerschon Yabusele
It’s a bold swing for all three teams. For the Knicks, it’s a clear all-in move, pairing Giannis with Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle (if he stays) in a top-heavy but potentially lethal core. The cost is steep-Bridges, McBride, a promising young piece in Dadiet, and a mountain of picks-but if you believe Giannis is the missing piece, it’s the kind of risk you take.
Milwaukee’s Crossroads
The Bucks, meanwhile, are in a precarious spot. Antetokounmpo’s injury only heightens the uncertainty around his future in Milwaukee.
The organization reportedly isn’t ready to pull the trigger on a trade unless Giannis formally requests it, but the writing may be on the wall. If he does ask out, this kind of return-Towns as a frontline star, plus depth and draft capital-could jumpstart a rebuild without bottoming out entirely.
Portland’s Quiet Ambition
Then there’s Portland. The Blazers might not be in the Giannis sweepstakes directly, but they could play a crucial supporting role.
Snagging a player like Mikal Bridges-who fits their timeline and brings elite two-way impact-would be a major win. And they’d be doing it without giving up their own future pick control, which is reportedly a sticking point.
What Happens Next?
With the trade deadline fast approaching, the next two weeks could define the short- and long-term future for three different franchises. The Knicks are eyeing a superstar.
The Bucks are waiting on a franchise-altering decision. And the Blazers are lurking, ready to pounce on the right opportunity.
Whether this specific deal materializes or not, one thing is clear: the NBA rumor mill isn’t slowing down anytime soon. And if Giannis Antetokounmpo is truly in play, the league could be in for a seismic shift.