The New York Knicks have desperately fought tooth and nail to win it all throughout their history. While success has been mediocre, with the Knicks only having 2 titles to their name (the last was won in 1973), there have been times when the Knicks have gotten close, such as when they made the finals in 1994 and 1999.
And this year was billed as one of those times. Having lost to the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals in the prior season, many saw the 2025/26 Knicks as true title contenders. Key players from teams like the Celtics (Tatum) and Pacers (Haliburton) were out due to injuries from the prior season, and some teams, like the Cleveland Cavaliers, have struggled greatly, with their 28-20 record so far a far cry from 64-18 last season.
And for a while, it seemed like a trip to the finals was inevitable. The Knicks had a 23-9 record, only behind the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference. They were practically guaranteed at least the #2 seed in the playoffs.
But it seems like everything has collapsed for them. They are now 28-18, having gone 5-9 since being 23-9, and are now #3 in the East, behind the Tatum-less Celtics. Key players like Karl-Anthony Towns are struggling, and it seems like nothing is working. But they have a way out. Actually, two ways out.
And the first way they can fix their current situation is trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Trades for superstar players like Giannis rarely happen. But Giannis is currently in a tricky situation. The Milwaukee Bucks are 18-27 and are unlikely to make the playoffs. He’s given many hints of his desire to be traded, even if he hasn’t sent an official request yet. While many title contenders in the NBA would not trade for him, at the risk of losing some of their star players in order to get him, the Knicks can send some of their star players away.
Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks’ main center, is currently struggling, averaging stats lower than last season. Many have complained about his “softness” and his (at times) poor defensive skills. However, he has a key strength: his three-point shooting. He is among the best three-point shooters in the NBA today, and even though he isn’t doing well so far, he may benefit from being in a less intense environment in Milwaukee compared to New York. He is also #2 in NBA rebounds per game, only behind Nikola Jokic, and this further makes him an enticing player for the Bucks.
The Knicks can also send away Mikal Bridges, whom they traded 5 first round picks to acquire from the Brooklyn Nets. While he has had good games, he too is having an underwhelming season. But, like Karl-Anthony Towns, he too possesses a great skill set, which includes shooting corner three-point shots and mid-range shots.
The Knicks can also choose to send another player (except Jalen Brunson, who should not be traded) to the Bucks. Bringing Giannis would add a player who would dominate in the paint, both offensively and defensively. He is also an elite rebounder and would partner up great with Mitchell Robinson, possibly the best offensive rebounder in the league.
Overall, trading for Giannis would allow the Knicks to get rid of underperforming players and get the best power forward in the NBA (according to ESPN’s Player Efficiency Rating). Giannis has also led the Bucks to an NBA title in 2021 (it is so far the only one in the Bucks’ history). This experience could be key to winning it all and avoiding a humiliating defeat like the one they suffered at the hands of the Pacers last season.
