Knicks Eye Giannis, But Timing and Assets Could Be Roadblocks
The New York Knicks are swinging big ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline, with their sights reportedly set on none other than two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. It's the kind of move that would instantly reshape the Eastern Conference landscape - but pulling it off midseason? That’s a whole different ballgame.
Let’s break it down.
The Asset Gap
Right now, the Knicks are a bit handcuffed when it comes to draft capital. They don't currently have a tradeable first-round pick to offer before the deadline, which limits their leverage in any blockbuster deal. That changes in the offseason, when they’ll have up to two first-rounders at their disposal - a crucial detail that could shift the entire conversation.
The Milwaukee Bucks, for their part, aren’t in any rush. They know the value of the player they’ve built their franchise around, and they’re prepared to wait for the right deal - which, from all indications, isn’t likely to materialize until the summer.
League Perception: Knicks on the Outside Looking In
Around the league, the buzz suggests that New York isn’t seen as a frontrunner in the Giannis sweepstakes - at least not right now. According to reporting from SNY’s Ian Begley, several teams view the Knicks as being on the periphery of the conversation, rather than in the thick of it.
That’s not necessarily a knock on New York’s ambition - it’s more a reflection of the current trade landscape. Other teams may simply have more attractive packages to offer, especially if Milwaukee decides to fully explore the market after the season.
A Three-Team Path?
If the Knicks want to make something happen before the deadline, they’ll almost certainly need to get creative - and that means bringing in a third team to help facilitate a deal. The San Antonio Spurs have been floated as a possible partner, and there’s been some chatter about the Portland Trail Blazers being involved as well.
But again, the Bucks hold the cards here. They’re well aware that a bidding war in the offseason could yield far more in return. Unless someone comes in with a can’t-miss offer in the next few days, it’s looking more and more likely that Giannis will still be in Milwaukee after the deadline.
Shifting Focus: Depth Moves More Likely
So where does that leave the Knicks? Most likely, looking at smaller but still meaningful upgrades to bolster their rotation. Names like Jose Alvarado, Yves Missi, and Naji Marshall have surfaced as potential targets - players who can help New York shore up its depth and stay competitive in a crowded Eastern Conference.
It’s not the headline-grabbing move fans might be dreaming of, but it’s a smart play if the big fish isn’t available just yet. The Knicks have been building something steady under Tom Thibodeau, and while the Giannis dream might have to wait, the team’s front office isn’t standing still.
The message out of New York is clear: they’re ready to make a splash - if not now, then when the timing and the assets align. And when that moment comes, expect them to be right in the thick of it.