The trade winds are swirling around Madison Square Garden again, and this time, they’re bringing the name Giannis Antetokounmpo into the conversation. After a head-scratching performance from Karl-Anthony Towns in the Knicks’ recent win over Miami - one where Jalen Brunson dropped 47 and Towns managed just two points - the chatter around a potential blockbuster deal has intensified. Could the Knicks be positioning themselves for the ultimate power move?
Let’s unpack what’s going on here.
Towns’ Disappearing Act Raises Eyebrows
In a game where the Knicks pulled out a gritty win, the spotlight wasn’t just on Brunson’s scoring clinic - it was also on Towns’ puzzling lack of involvement. Five shot attempts.
Two points. Six rebounds.
That’s not the kind of stat line you expect from a max-contract player, especially one who was supposed to be a key piece in New York’s playoff push.
Former NBA guard Jeff Teague and his podcast crew didn’t hold back. They were stunned that every other Knicks player - including role guys like Josh Hart and OG Anunoby - took more shots than Towns. Even Tyler Herro, on the other side of the floor, was more active offensively.
The question they kept circling back to: was Towns simply too passive, or was this by design? It’s a fair one.
Towns has a well-documented tendency to drift when he’s not involved early. If he doesn’t get touches in the opening minutes, he can slide into the background - moving the ball instead of asserting himself as a scoring threat.
That dynamic was on full display against Miami, and it’s raised legitimate concerns about his fit in New York’s system.
The Giannis Rumors Get Louder
While Towns’ role in the Knicks’ offense is under the microscope, the real headline is the growing buzz around Giannis Antetokounmpo. According to reports, if the Bucks were to entertain trade talks, Giannis has reportedly identified New York as his preferred destination. That’s not just smoke - that’s a signal flare.
Earlier this year, the Knicks were said to have had an “exclusive negotiating window” when initial discussions began. That kind of access doesn’t happen by accident. New York has been angling for a superstar for years, and Giannis would be the crown jewel.
But there’s a catch - and it’s a big one.
The Price of a Superstar
After going all-in to land Mikal Bridges, the Knicks are short on draft capital. Five first-round picks went out the door in that deal, leaving their war chest significantly lighter. That makes a straight-up trade for Giannis complicated - unless, of course, you’re willing to move a player like Karl-Anthony Towns.
ESPN floated the idea of a one-for-one swap: Towns for Giannis. On paper, it’s a clean exchange of All-Star big men, but the reality is more nuanced.
If the Bucks decide to hit the reset button, they’re not likely to stop at Towns. They’d almost certainly look to loop in a third team - one that could flip Towns for additional picks and young talent.
That would give Milwaukee the kind of long-term assets they’d need to rebuild around.
This season, Towns is averaging 22 points and 12 boards - solid numbers, but not eye-popping. Giannis, meanwhile, is putting up 28 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists per game.
He’s still very much in his prime, and his impact goes well beyond the box score. He changes the geometry of the floor on both ends, and his presence alone would instantly elevate the Knicks to contender status.
What Comes Next?
Right now, the Knicks are in a fascinating spot. They’ve got a rising star in Brunson, a deep roster of versatile defenders, and a front office that’s clearly not afraid to swing big. But adding a player like Giannis would require more than just guts - it would take creativity, flexibility, and maybe a third team to make the math work.
And then there’s Towns. His talent is undeniable, but his fit in New York - especially when he’s not aggressive - is becoming harder to justify. If the Knicks believe they’ve hit a ceiling with him, and if Giannis truly wants to wear blue and orange, the pieces might already be on the board.
For now, it’s all speculation. But in the NBA, where smoke often leads to fire, this is a situation worth watching closely.
Because if the Knicks are serious about chasing a title, Giannis Antetokounmpo might just be the missing piece - and Karl-Anthony Towns might be the key to unlocking it.