Knicks Should Avoid Giannis Trade Discussions Amid Bucks, NBA Rumors

The New York Knicks are one win away from advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second time in as many seasons, with a chance to play for their first NBA title since 1973. Despite the success, they have been, and inevitably will be, linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo amid ongoing trade talk.

Shams Charania reported for ESPN last October that the former league MVP preferred to play in New York and, recently, Sam Amick and Eric Nehm reported for The Athletic that Antetokounmpo prefers to stay in the Eastern Conference.

Despite the 31-year-old's interest, the Knicks should steer clear of discussions regarding a trade for the forward.

Yes, Giannis was still a game-changing player while on the court this season, averaging 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists while shooting 62.4 percent from the field. Those numbers likely would have been even better if a knee injury had not limited him to just 36 games.

Still, despite his undeniable dominance when at his best, the Knicks must avoid him for a number of reasons, beginning with his unproven track record of success with fellow superstars.

The pairing with Damian Lillard did not work and was broken up within two seasons. If the former league MVP headed to the Big Apple in a monster trade, it would presumably require him to work alongside Jalen Brunson on what has become the guard's team.

Not only is there no evidence it would work, and it would disrupt the chemistry that has allowed the team to appear as deep into the NBA Playoffs as they have in recent years, it would take considerable time for the Greek-born player to find his fit and for the team to perform at its fullest potential.

If it ever reached it.

The uncertainty of what may be, at the expense of what currently is and the success the team has had, makes the pursuit of Giannis not worth the time and repercussions that could come from it.

Even if the Knicks unexpectedly collapse and give up the 3-0 lead to Philadelphia and lose in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, or fail to get over the hump in the conference finals, is it worth blowing everything up in hopes that the former MVP might be the difference-maker and, potentially, set up a larger rebuild sooner rather than later?

The answer, for those who have watched the many bad Knicks teams that preceded this one, is a resounding "no."