The New York Knicks had a relatively quiet offseason when it comes to their players until they gave a contract extension to Mikal Bridges. Before that, they focused on improving their bench by signing players like Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele. But if the opportunity presents itself, the Knicks would rather go star-hunting than improve around the edges. Word around the league is that they are closely monitoring whether an opportunity opens up or not to get a player like Giannis Antetokounmpo.
New York Knicks are Ready to Go Star Hunting for the Right Player
Right now, Giannis to the New York Knicks might sound like a pipe dream. But LeBron James to the Miami Heat was a pipe dream as well. At one point, fans in Los Angeles dreamt of Luka Doncic playing for the Lakers. The NBA is a wild league, and you never know what might happen. While the Knicks have their entire starting five signed up through 2026-27, things might change. According to James L. Edwards from The Athletic, the Knicks want a big name in the Big Apple. He said,
“It is my understanding that Leon Rose and company have been monitoring Giannis Antetokounmpo’s situation in Milwaukee very closely, even before the offseason started. Many around the league believe the Knicks are interested in star hunting, and while that opportunity hasn’t popped up yet, I certainly believe it’s in the cards if the right situation presents itself.”
Right now, it seems like Giannis and the Bucks are in a good spot, but the Knicks are quietly lurking. The Greek Freak can put all those rumors aside by signing an extension next summer. He will be eligible for a four-year, almost $300 million extension during the 2026 offseason, with the contract beginning with the 2026-27 season.
How Can the Knicks Get Giannis?
Giannis can become a free agent in the summer of 2027, two years from now. He has a player option for the 2027-28 season. However, a player of his caliber rarely gets to free agency. In the last several years, most stars either re-sign with their team or ask for a trade. Nevertheless, after re-signing Bridges, the Knicks might not have cap space during the 2027 summer. It will depend vastly on what they do with Karl-Anthony Towns, who is eligible for an extension this summer, and has a player option for the 2027-28 season at $61 million. Whether the Knicks decide to extend him or not will play a role in how they can get Giannis.
The more viable route is to trade for the Greek Freak. If he and the Bucks see that they are not trending in the same direction sometimes during next season, a trade might be the best option. The Knicks can offer two first-round picks in next year’s draft: their own and a top-eight-protected Washington Wizards pick. They have their own picks in 2030 and 2032 to trade, and the second most favorable pick between the Brooklyn Nets, Phoenix Suns, and Philadelphia 76ers in 2028.
But it will all come down to whether the Bucks would like a package of players like KAT, OG Anunoby, and Bridges. Without those players, it is nearly impossible to match salaries. The Knicks also have to see how their players mesh during the 2025-26 season with a new head coach. If they get to the NBA Finals, they might decide to continue with this group.
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