The NBA trade deadline is this upcoming Thursday February 5 and one of the league’s biggest superstar may be on the move.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a two-time league MVP, one-time champion and finals MVP, 10-time All-Star, and one of the all-time greats who has played in the NBA. We don’t usually see stars like this be available for trades in their prime but it seems like Giannis’s time in Milwaukee is coming to an end.
The New York Knicks are believed to be one of the many teams that may look to acquire Giannis in a trade this week. The Knicks are viewed as a trade suitor due to the assets they have available and among those names are Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges.
Would the Knicks actually give up any of those players for Giannis in return?
Well, let’s look at the scenarios that can result in Giannis coming to New York. Giannis has a max contract worth $174 million over three years that expires 2028 with a player option after next season. The contract has Giannis earning $57 million this year and about $62 million next year.
With that said, to acquire Giannis the Knicks have to find a way to make the money work. One of those ways would be making a straight up swap giving up Karl-Anthony Towns for Giannis since both players make a similar amount of money and are comparable in terms of level of play.
The Knicks can opt to go in another direction and deal either OG Anunoby or Mikal Bridges for Giannis along with other assets or both players in exchange. It is not clear which direction the Knicks may go this trade deadline as they are now on a six-game winning streak after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers last night. But it is important to note that Giannis will have a ton of suitors lined up and Milwaukee will most likely go with the best package for their future or opt to send Giannis to the Western Conference.
Lastly, it is important to note that Doc Rivers, head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, spoke on Sunday giving his opinion on the situation and said: “My favorite day of the year this year will be the day after the trade deadline. I think everyone will be here.” This means that although it is not likely due to the rumors but maybe Giannis is a Buck through the end of this season.
But, we will see as in the coming days teams will get more aggressive and attempt to strike a deal to improve their rosters to make a push for the playoffs and a championship.
