The New York Knicks have put themselves in a position to make a blockbuster NBA trade in the near future. Having the assets to pull off a deal is important, but for the first time in a long time, New York is once again a desirable place for players to be.
The culture has changed in recent seasons with owner James Dolan not being as involved in the basketball operations, hiring people to do their jobs. The front office has done a good job compiling a deep, talented roster that can compete with the upper-echelon teams in the NBA.
For the Knicks to cement their status amongst those teams, they need to add one more player. Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle and RJ Barrett are a strong trio. Brunson is a star in the making after his first season at the helm and Randle is an All-NBA producer. Barrett has the tools to become and All-Star and two-way presence.
However, all of those players look better off as being a No. 2 or 3 option. The Knicks are lacking a true go-to No. 1 to get the job done in the clutch. While that trio, with a few more refinements, can compete for a championship, adding a bonafide star would make them instant contenders.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks & New York Knicks Updates
One player who could fit that bill is Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks. The Greek Freak made headlines this offseason when making comments about his future, not committing to the Bucks and making it clear he wants to contend for championships.
New York could be one place he could achieve that goal. Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report put together a huge trade that would lead to that occurring. He put together one trade for every NBA team with a month until the season, using an Antetokounmpo blockbuster for the Knicks and Bucks.
The Knicks would send Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Quentin Grimes, Evan Fournier, a 2024 first-round pick (via Washington Wizards), a 2025 first-round pick (via the Bucks), 2027 and 2029 first-round picks via New York and a pick swap in 2030 to Milwaukee. In return, they would receive Antetokounmpo and Pat Connaughton.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks Updates
That is a steep price to pay, but this is the kind of deal the Knicks have been loading up those assets to make. A core of Antetokounmpo, Brunson and Randle with a supporting cast of Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, Mitchell Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein has the makings of a contender.
The Bucks would kickstart their rebuild while getting ahead of a Giannis trade request. Barrett, Quickley and Grimes are three intriguing pieces and they get a boatload of draft capital as well. Getting their 2025 first-round pick back with the uncertainty surrounding Antetokounmpo is a big get as well.
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