Trail Blazers Enter Giannis Sweepstakes, Complicating Knicks’ Trade Hopes
Just when the New York Knicks thought the path to Giannis Antetokounmpo might be clearing up, the Portland Trail Blazers have stepped into the picture-and not as a middleman, but as a potential destination.
According to reporting from The Stein Line, Portland has informed the Milwaukee Bucks that it’s not just willing to facilitate a Giannis trade-it’s interested in acquiring the two-time MVP outright. That’s a major development, and for the Knicks, it’s a tough pill to swallow.
Portland’s Entrance Ups the Stakes
The Knicks were already facing an uphill climb in their pursuit of Giannis. While they’ve built a solid roster and have been proactive in trade talks, they’ve never had the most compelling offer on the table. Now, with the Blazers entering the mix, the competition just got a whole lot stiffer.
And this isn’t just any team throwing its hat in the ring. It’s Portland-a team that the Knicks were hoping to work with, not against.
From Trade Partner to Trade Rival
Here’s where things get especially tricky for New York. Portland holds several of Milwaukee’s future draft picks-2028, 2029, and 2030-and the Knicks were eyeing those assets as part of a potential package to entice the Bucks. The idea was to work with Portland, possibly by sending Mikal Bridges their way, a player the Blazers have reportedly admired for quite some time.
That kind of deal might’ve unlocked access to those coveted Milwaukee picks, giving the Knicks a stronger hand in Giannis negotiations. But if Portland is now trying to land Giannis themselves, those picks are off the table. There’s no incentive for the Blazers to help New York if they’re chasing the same prize.
And the leverage Portland now holds? It’s massive.
The Bucks don’t control their own first-round pick until 2031. If the Blazers can offer Milwaukee back the rights to three of their next five firsts-complicated swap rules aside-there’s no matching that.
Not even close. The Knicks, who don’t have any of Milwaukee’s picks and are relatively light on elite trade chips, would find themselves completely outgunned.
Holiday Hopes Take a Hit Too
New York’s interest in Jrue Holiday has also been well-documented. He’s a player Giannis won a title with, and someone he’s expressed interest in reuniting with. The Knicks were exploring ways to bring Holiday into the fold as part of a broader pitch to lure Giannis.
But again, if Portland is in the mix for Giannis, they could easily pivot toward Holiday themselves-or use him as a bargaining chip to strengthen their own offer. Either way, it makes things harder for the Knicks.
A Long Shot for Portland… But Still a Problem for New York
Now, let’s be clear: Portland knows landing Giannis is a long shot. According to the report, they’re realistic about the odds of convincing him to sign an extension and stay long-term in the Pacific Northwest. The far more likely scenario is that the Blazers still end up playing facilitator in a multi-team deal, possibly to land a veteran or two who can help their young core.
But even that doesn’t do much to ease the Knicks’ concerns.
Portland’s newfound leverage means they can drive a harder bargain in any talks with New York. What might’ve cost the Knicks Mikal Bridges and a pick now might require OG Anunoby-and maybe more. The price just went up, and the Knicks’ margin for error, already razor-thin, is now even slimmer.
Bottom Line
The Knicks have been threading a needle in their pursuit of Giannis. They’ve been aggressive, creative, and patient.
But Portland’s emergence as a possible suitor throws a wrench into everything. Whether the Blazers are serious contenders or just raising the stakes to extract more value, they’ve made life more difficult for New York.
And in a high-stakes chase like this one, even a little turbulence can knock a team off course.