The New York Knicks have been eyeing Giannis Antetokounmpo for the past several months. An actual trade, though, might not materialize for the Milwaukee Bucks superstar until the offseason.
With the NBA trade deadline this Thursday, the Knicks are “one of several teams that have and will continue to inquire heavily about” Antetokounmpo. This is according to a report by The Athletic‘s James L. Edwards III.
Knicks Pursuing Antetokounmpo
The Knicks are considering a Karl-Anthony Towns trade ahead of the deadline.
League insiders have floated the idea of sending Towns and Mikal Bridges to Milwaukee in a potential trade deal. Salary-matching players and draft picks would also be required.
However, Edwards noted that a midseason deal involving Antetokounmpo likely won’t happen for the Knicks because they don’t have “a premier young player” or sufficient draft capital to land the two-time NBA MVP. Antetokounmpo also won a Finals MVP in 2021.
Edwards also reported that Towns and Bridges have declined as assets. The pair “aren’t believed to have the same value today as when the Knicks traded for them.”
The report also indicated the Knicks are open to moving Towns for a couple of reasons. He has struggled a fair bit offensively this season, shooting near career-lows. New York has also played some of its basketball of late without him on the floor. Through 46 appearances this season, Towns is averaging 19.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 31.6 minutes per game while shooting a career-worst 46.1% from the field and 35.9% from beyond the arc.
Towns, who New York acquired from the Minnesota Timberwolves in a three-team trade in October 2024, has not fared well under head coach Mike Brown. Last season, Towns received his fifth All-Star selection and third All-NBA Third-Team nod of his career. The 7-footer averaged 24.4 points, a career-high 12.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.0 steals, and 35 minutes in 72 games.
Even if not for Antetokounmpo, Towns could still be moved in another deal involving a player with similar talent and salary.
Knicks Could Move Bridges Along With Towns
Bridges, meanwhile, was acquired by the Knicks in a trade deal with Brooklyn during the 2024 offseason. It was the first trade between the New York rivals since 1983.
The Knicks had high hopes that Bridges would be able to play at the same level while off the Nets, but the former first-rounder has disappointed many since his departure.
In the 2022-23 season, Bridges averaged 26.1 points in 27 appearances with Brooklyn after a midseason trade with the Phoenix Suns, then put up 19.6 points per outing without missing a game in 2023-24.
In 131 regular-season games (all starts) with New York, he’s averaging just 16.9 points on 50% shooting from the floor and 36.7% from 3-point territory.
While his efficiency has improved, Bridges is not making the same impact with the Knicks.
