The New York Knicks are swinging big again - and this time, the target list includes not just Giannis Antetokounmpo, but his former championship co-star Jrue Holiday. According to NBA insider reports, the Knicks have been exploring ways to acquire Holiday from the Portland Trail Blazers. And while Holiday would be a strong addition on his own, the thinking in New York seems clear: pairing him with Jalen Brunson now could help lure Giannis down the line.
Let’s unpack this.
The Giannis-Holiday Connection Runs Deep
If you’re looking to build a case for Giannis leaving Milwaukee, step one might just be reuniting him with Jrue Holiday. These two weren’t just teammates - they were a defensive nightmare for opponents and a championship-winning duo during their time with the Bucks.
On the floor, their chemistry was seamless. Off the floor, their bond has been just as strong.
So it’s not hard to imagine Giannis looking at a Knicks roster that includes Holiday and thinking, *“Yeah, I could see myself there.” * In fact, ESPN previously reported that if Giannis were to leave Milwaukee, the Knicks were the one team he’d be open to joining.
That’s not nothing. And if New York can land Holiday first, it might be the kind of move that nudges Giannis closer to the door - or at least gets him thinking about it.
But Here’s the Catch: The Knicks’ Asset Dilemma
It’s a fun idea, no doubt. But here’s where things get tricky: how exactly are the Knicks planning to pull this off?
Let’s be real - acquiring either Holiday or Giannis would require significant trade capital. Pulling off both would take a borderline miracle.
Right now, New York’s war chest doesn’t exactly scream “blockbuster-ready.” They’ve got picks, sure, but not the kind of premium assets that would make Milwaukee or Portland sprint to the phone.
There’s been chatter that the Trail Blazers have shown interest in Mikal Bridges, but even that might not be enough to move the needle in a multi-team deal. And when it comes to Giannis, Milwaukee is not handing over a generational superstar for a couple of firsts and some pick swaps.
This is a franchise cornerstone we’re talking about - a two-time MVP, Finals MVP, and one of the most dominant forces in the game today. The Bucks would need a haul that resets their future, not a patchwork of decent assets.
Wishful Thinking or Strategic Patience?
Right now, the Knicks’ interest in Giannis feels more like a long-term play than an imminent move. It’s wishful thinking unless something big changes - either in Giannis’ stance with the Bucks or in New York’s ability to assemble a more compelling trade package.
Still, if the Knicks can land Holiday, they’d be setting themselves up for more than just a reunion story. A trio of Giannis, Holiday, and Brunson would instantly become one of the most balanced and dangerous cores in the league - offense, defense, leadership, playoff experience, all in one package. That’s a title-contending nucleus, plain and simple.
The next week could be telling. If New York is serious - and if Portland and Milwaukee are willing to engage - we might see the first domino fall. But until then, this remains one of the more intriguing what-ifs in the NBA rumor mill.
Stay locked in. The Knicks might just be cooking something big.