The New York Knicks are one series victory away from a first NBA Finals appearance since 1999. They will be wary though because they fell at this same stage last year.

Regardless of how the next few weeks unfold, the Knicks have no doubt been heavy hitters in the postseason. They could be more if speculated trades land their way this offseason.

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has been one name linked to the Knicks. According to NBC Sports’ Kurt Helin, the Knicks stand out as the one team that could lure the Greek superstar. However, the scenario to land him could be complicated.

“That said, New York is the one team we know Antetokounmpo told Bucks general manager Jon Horst to talk to,” Helin wrote. “The challenge is putting together a trade both sides like. The money works if it’s Karl-Anthony Towns for Antetokounmpo, but KAT is a poor fit for a rebuilding Knicks team. 

“A deal also can work with OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart, but do the Knicks want to break up the guys who embody the team’s identity?” Helin added.

The Knicks will essentially be giving up more than draft assets to have Antetokounmpo on their roster. 

Milwaukee High Market Value for Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Bucks held firm during the trade deadline as serious offers came in for Antetokounmpo. They did not entertain offers for their two-time MVP and sources indicated Milwaukee preferred to wait for the offseason, when more teams could participate and there may be potentially sweeter packages on the table. 

GettyGiannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks during an NBA game.

Milwaukee is in a strong position to leverage franchise-building assets. For the Knicks, the question is whether they have what Milwaukee wants. 

“Even if Milwaukee is interested in those players, it also will want picks, and the Knicks don’t have many to trade, so now a third team is in the mix, and it gets complicated. Never say never, but this is a long shot,” Helin wrote.

If they swap for Towns, financially it will be viable. However, the Bucks will potentially enter a rebuild if Antetokounmpo leaves and as such, a stretch big like Towns might not align perfectly with Milwaukee’s long-term vision.

A deal involving multiple players and a third team is on the table because New York lacks a surplus of future first-round picks. 

Major Star Will Come at a Cost

GettyMilwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo got some interesting news as his name gets thrown around wildly in trade rumors.

The Knicks will just be one of several other teams looking to trade for Antetokounmpo. Eastern rivals like the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat are among names reportedly mentioned with the Heat said to have proposed an offer during the deadline.

One thing that is certain is that a player like Antetokounmpo would accelerate New York’s contention timeline. They have already shown that they can get close in the last couple of years, however, crossing the line has proven difficult.

A duo of Antetokounmpo and Jalen Brunson is almost too good to pass on and the Knicks would not resist to discuss a deal with the Bucks. However, a deal would either make or mar the roster.

Surrendering multiple rotation pillars like Anunoby, Bridges and Hart would dismantle the defensive identity that has defined the team’s recent success. Replacing these pieces won’t come easily.