With the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers both licking their wounds after losing their best players to devastating Achilles injuries last spring, the New York Knicks are trying to take advantage of the weakest Eastern Conference in years.
On Tuesday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Knicks explored a blockbuster trade for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer. However, the two-time MVP and former NBA champion ultimately stayed put.
According to Charania, “the teams never got traction on a deal” after several weeks of exclusive negotiations, with both sides blaming each other. New York’s offer was criticized for not being strong enough, while the Bucks may not have been serious about moving Antetokounmpo in the first place.
The Knicks didn’t have many assets to offer after sending five future first round picks to the Brooklyn Nets last year as part of their package for Mikal Bridges, so it’s not surprising that a deal didn’t come together. While Antetokounmpo hasn’t publicly requested a trade, he did tell Milwaukee that New York is the only team he wants to play for besides the Bucks.
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Led by Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and Bridges, the Knicks are one of the most talented teams in basketball. While they fell to the Pacers in last year’s Eastern Conference Finals after knocking out the Celtics in the previous round, they appear poised for another deep playoff run under new head coach Mike Brown.
Antetokounmpo hasn’t won a playoff series since 2022 and is presumably looking to join a championship contender if he leaves Milwaukee, hence why he likes New York.
The Knicks have been eyeing him for a while, and landing the 30 year old superstar would make them arguably the best team in basketball. Fortunately for Boston fans, Antetokounmpo is still a Buck for now.
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Featured image via Nick Turchiaro/Imagn Images
