Fresh Knicks Rumors on Giannis, Karl-Anthony Towns and Plans for Roster Before NBA Trade Deadline
The New York Knicks "believe in the core of this team and this roster" ahead of Thursday's NBA trade deadline, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst.
Discussing the Knicks on the newest episode of the Hoop Collective podcast, Windhorst pointed to their six-game winning streak as evidence supporting the organization's internal confidence.
Colleague Tim MacMahon chimed in to say the status of star center Karl-Anthony Towns nonetheless remains a topic of conversation within NBA circles, which is independent of the rumors swirling around Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Whether it happens before the deadline or not, Antetokounmpo's exit from Milwaukee feels likelier than ever as the two-time MVP is starting to press the issue.
James L. Edwards III of The Athletic reported Sunday that New York "will be one of several teams that have and will continue to inquire heavily about Antetokounmpo." Still, he downplayed the odds of a deal happening within the next few days.
"The Bucks are looking for a premier young player(s) and multiple, good draft picks in exchange for one of the three best players in the NBA," Edwards said. "The Knicks have neither of those, and to get close to what the Bucks are asking for, New York would need to trade two or three players in its starting lineup, most likely OG Anunoby, [Mikal] Bridges and/or Towns."
On Towns and Bridges, the Knicks insider added that their trade values have diminished from when the team first acquired the pair during the 2024 offseason.
Maybe the Knicks' hot stretch is a bit of a false dawn. Three of their wins came against the Brooklyn Nets, Sacramento Kings and Portland Trail Blazers, who all have losing records. Tuesday's matchup with the Washington Wizards should be another straightforward victory.
But the short-term benefits of a Giannis trade might be less than you'd think for New York. An already top-heavy roster would become more reliant on its biggest stars, and there would be little time for the front office to bolster the roster around the margins.
For as great as Luka Dončić is, the Los Angeles Lakers still couldn't make it past the first round of the 2025 playoffs after adding him.
In terms of chasing a title, the Knicks are probably better off sticking with their squad for the most part and reassessing the situation in the summer.
