Giannis Watch: Why the Knicks Just Got a Boost in the Superstar Sweepstakes
The New York Knicks may not be front and center in the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes-at least not yet-but the landscape just shifted in a way that quietly plays right into their hands. And they have the Golden State Warriors to thank for it.
According to reporting from Marc Stein and Jake Fischer on the All NBA Podcast, the two-time MVP is no longer enamored with the idea of joining the Warriors. That’s a massive development, not just because it removes a heavyweight contender from the race, but because it aligns perfectly with the Knicks’ long game.
Warriors Out, Knicks Inching Closer
Golden State had been one of the few teams with the draft capital and star power to make a serious run at Giannis. They could’ve offered up to four first-round picks, plus swaps. That kind of package would’ve blown most other suitors out of the water.
But Giannis reportedly isn't interested in becoming the next big name to land in Steph Curry’s orbit. There’s a sense he’s wary of stepping into “Curry’s town and team,” and he’s not exactly thrilled about the Warriors’ aging core either. That’s understandable-Steph turns 38 soon, and the window in Golden State is closing fast.
With the Warriors now seemingly out of the picture, the Knicks' chances just got a little brighter.
The Timing Favors New York
Here’s where things get interesting: the Knicks aren’t built to make a blockbuster offer right now. They don’t have any first-round picks available to trade at the moment.
But come summer, that changes. They’ll be armed with two firsts-2026 and 2033-and could add more through deals involving players like Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, or even Karl-Anthony Towns.
That timing could be crucial.
If the Bucks hold onto Giannis through the trade deadline and into the offseason, the entire equation shifts. By then, Giannis will be just one year away from free agency. That gives him more leverage to dictate where he wants to go-and if he signals he’s only willing to sign an extension with the Knicks, that could scare off other teams from making aggressive offers.
Miami and Minnesota Still Lurking
Of course, New York won’t be the only team with chips to play this summer. The Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves are both reportedly on Giannis’ radar.
Miami can offer a package centered around young big man Kel’el Ware and a couple of first-round picks. Minnesota will also have more flexibility to make a deal once the offseason arrives.
But none of those teams-at least right now-are offering anything close to a can’t-say-no deal. The Knicks won’t have the best package on paper, but they won’t be out of the running either. And if Giannis makes it clear he wants to be in New York, that could be the difference.
A Deep Playoff Run Could Seal the Deal
The Knicks’ best pitch to Giannis might not come in the form of draft picks or young players-it could come in the form of playoff success. If New York can make a deep run this spring, say to the Eastern Conference Finals or beyond, it sends a clear message: this team is ready to win now. And Giannis could be the final piece.
Compare that to Miami, who likely won’t make it out of the first round, or Minnesota, who could fall victim to the brutal Western Conference bracket. The Knicks have a real opportunity to show Giannis that they’re not just a destination-they’re a contender.
Youth Over Legacy
There’s also the matter of sustainability. Golden State’s core is aging.
Steph is pushing 40. Klay Thompson and Draymond Green aren’t what they once were.
New York, on the other hand, is built around a 29-year-old Jalen Brunson and a supporting cast that still has its best years ahead.
That kind of long-term upside matters. And it seems Giannis is paying attention.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t a done deal. Far from it.
But with the Warriors reportedly out of the mix, the Knicks’ path to landing Giannis just got a little clearer. They’re not the favorites-yet-but they’re playing the long game.
And if everything breaks right this summer, they could be the last team standing.
For now, all eyes are on Milwaukee. But in New York, the front office has to like how the board is starting to look.