The Knicks have been tied to Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors for a while now - and for good reason. Any time a generational talent like Giannis even flirts with availability, teams line up. But according to the latest from ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, it doesn’t look like New York is in that line anymore.
Speaking on Get Up Monday morning, Windhorst made it clear: the Knicks aren’t pushing to land the two-time MVP, even though they had a chance to explore a deal last summer when Giannis was, as Windhorst put it, “loosely available.” New York didn’t make a serious offer then, and they’re not showing signs of changing that stance now.
Why? It comes down to belief - in the roster they’ve built and the direction they’re headed.
“The Knicks believe in this team,” Windhorst said. “They believed in this team last summer... They are not showing that aggression to get Giannis right now and I think that’s because they like this team.”
And honestly, it’s not hard to see why.
This Knicks squad isn’t just good - it’s deep, balanced, and built to compete right now. Jalen Brunson has blossomed into a legitimate star and floor general, while Karl-Anthony Towns gives them a versatile big who can stretch the floor and punish mismatches. Surrounding them is a defensive-minded, high-IQ supporting cast in Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby - three wings who can switch, shoot, and make winning plays on both ends.
On paper, that’s a championship-caliber starting five. And more importantly, it’s a group that fits together - a rare mix of chemistry, toughness, and two-way skill that makes New York a legitimate threat in the East.
Now, let’s be clear: adding Giannis would be a franchise-altering move. He’s a top-tier talent, a two-way force who instantly raises a team’s ceiling.
But the reality of pulling off a deal of that magnitude isn’t as simple as plugging him into your lineup. The Knicks would likely have to gut a significant portion of their core to make the salaries and assets work - and even then, it might take a three- or four-team deal to get it done.
That kind of overhaul doesn’t seem to be in the cards right now. The front office appears committed to continuity, betting that the group they’ve assembled has enough firepower - and enough cohesion - to make a deep playoff run this season.
And frankly, they might be right.
New York hasn’t won a title since 1970, but this team has the look of one that could change that. They’ve got star power, depth, defense, and a clear identity. So while the idea of Giannis in a Knicks uniform will always be intriguing, the organization seems more focused on building something sustainable - and potentially special - with the roster they already have.
For now, it looks like the Knicks are staying the course. And with the way this team is playing, that might be the smartest move of all.