The NBA trade deadline has come and gone, and Giannis Antetokounmpo remains with the Milwaukee Bucks. But don't be too quick to assume that means the superstar forward is staying put for good.
While acquiring the 2021 Finals MVP would have been a dream for the New York Knicks, it's actually beneficial for them that Giannis wasn't moved. This summer, the Knicks can revisit the possibility with more assets and a clearer picture of their core's potential.
Knicks' Offseason Strategy: More Picks, More Possibilities
Come the offseason, the Knicks will have two additional first-round picks to sweeten any potential deal for Antetokounmpo. If New York is still high on Giannis' list of preferred destinations, the Bucks might be wise to wait for a more enticing package.
While some teams may struggle to offer players due to expiring contracts-think Mitchell Robinson for the Knicks-the focus might shift to draft capital. For a Bucks team potentially eyeing a rebuild, draft picks could be more appealing than immediate talent. Other teams will also have the chance to bolster their offers with additional picks once the summer rolls around.
The Knicks might not have been frontrunners for Giannis during the season, but their ability to add more picks in the offseason could keep them in the mix.
Knicks' Core: A Second Shot at Glory
Beyond the trade logistics, there's a sense of unfinished business with this Knicks squad. Breaking up the team so soon after assembling it would have felt premature.
In their debut season together, they reached the Eastern Conference Finals, a feat the organization hadn't achieved since 2000. This success led to a coaching change, with Mike Brown taking the helm to implement his system.
Even though adding Antetokounmpo midseason wouldn't have signaled failure, it's reassuring that this group will have another chance to prove themselves, regardless of summer developments.
The 2024-25 Knicks delivered thrilling moments, from Jalen Brunson's series-clinching 3-pointer against the Detroit Pistons to their gritty victory over the Boston Celtics. Karl-Anthony Towns was a standout, orchestrating a 20-point comeback in the Eastern Conference Finals with a stellar fourth-quarter performance.
With defensive stalwarts like Jose Alvarado and Jeremy Sochan joining the fray, this team is well-positioned for another run at the title. Knicks fans have every reason to be optimistic about what's to come.