The Giannis-to-New York dream is still alive - and if the latest reports hold weight, it might be inching closer to reality.
According to league insiders, several teams once considered potential suitors for Giannis Antetokounmpo - including the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs - are reportedly not expected to pursue the two-time MVP. That’s a major shift in the landscape, and it quietly boosts the New York Knicks’ odds of pulling off what would be one of the most seismic trades in franchise history.
Now, let’s be clear: this isn’t a done deal, and it’s not without complications. The Knicks aren’t exactly sitting on a war chest of tradable first-round picks, which is typically the currency of choice in superstar deals.
But here’s where things get interesting. Around the league, there’s reported hesitation about giving up multiple firsts in a trade - a trend that could work in New York’s favor.
What the Knicks do have is a package of proven, playoff-tested players. A potential offer built around OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and rookie guard Tyler Kolek doesn’t scream blockbuster at first glance - not for a player of Giannis’ caliber.
But it’s not without merit. Anunoby is one of the league’s better two-way wings, Hart brings versatility and toughness, and Kolek, while still raw, has the upside to develop into a reliable starter.
If Milwaukee finds itself backed into a corner, especially if Giannis signals a strong preference for New York, the Bucks may have to consider deals that prioritize fit and flexibility over pure draft capital.
And that’s the real wildcard here: Giannis himself. If he makes it known that New York is his preferred - or only - destination, the Bucks’ leverage takes a hit.
That’s how superstars have shifted the power dynamic in the modern NBA. It’s not just about who has the best offer; it’s about where the player wants to go.
Even with a few teams out of the running, the Knicks aren’t guaranteed a clear path. The Atlanta Hawks, for example, could still put together a competitive offer - maybe even one stronger than New York’s on paper.
But again, if Giannis isn’t interested in Atlanta, that offer becomes irrelevant. The Knicks’ best-case scenario is a one-team race, and right now, that outcome seems more plausible than ever.
So what would a Giannis-Brunson-Towns trio look like? In a word: dangerous.
The Knicks have already shown they can compete at a high level. Their recent NBA Cup win was more than just a trophy - it was a statement.
But even with that momentum, they’ve yet to solve the Thunder, who are currently the league’s most complete and dominant team. In a potential Finals matchup, New York would likely enter as underdogs.
Unless, of course, they add Giannis.
Pairing the Greek Freak with Jalen Brunson’s steady hand and Karl-Anthony Towns’ offensive versatility would instantly vault the Knicks into a new tier. That’s not just a playoff team - that’s a legitimate title contender. The kind of team that could stand toe-to-toe with OKC and make things very uncomfortable for the Western Conference elite.
There’s still a long way to go before anything becomes official. But with key suitors bowing out and the trade market cooling, the stars might just be aligning for the Knicks. If they can find a way to land Giannis without gutting their core, they won’t just be relevant - they might be the team to beat in the East.