The New York Knicks have a lot of talent, but at the end of the day, they’re Jalen Branson’s team and they need to maximize him.
Under Jalen Brunson, the New York Knicks first appeared in the Eastern Conference Finals in 26 years this season, losing to the Indiana Pacers.
In that playoff series, Karl Anthony Towns and Josh Hart have received a significant portion of criticism for their inactive play, and the town has already been included in the trade rumours. Since town is the biggest player, his salary can be used to balance another superstar.
Of course, no player will be more attracting attention this offseason than Giannis Antetokounmpo.
If Milwaukee trades the Bucks on Anteto Compo, the team he lands is considered an immediate threat. Frontrunners include the Brooklyn Net, the San Antonio Spurs, the Houston Rockets and, more recently, the Toronto Raptors.
In theory, the Knicks can make an offer, and Giannis and Branson’s tandem will become one of the most dangerous duos in the league.
“I think putting Jalen Brunson in his best position in the long run is being 1A when he needs to be 1A at the end of the game,” Jay Williams said.
“Because of the fact that he absorbs so much physicality, I don’t have to carry loads every night over the course of the normal 82 game season schedule.”
Branson is one of the league’s best game finishers, but head coach Tom Thibodeau is famous for giving him a little rest. Adding a legitimate star that you can create for yourself next to Branson puts a load on the shoulders of the All-Star Guard and makes Giannis fit the bill.
“I think their game is comparable together,” said Williams and Antetocomo of Branson. “It’s Jalen Brunson’s biggest long-term concern, and if you want to keep him, I think Giannis is a player that fits it and will help him maintain Brunson’s longer career.”
As all teams are at least partially interested in landing MVP finalists, the Knicks will struggle to build a trade package to land Greek freaks.
New York cannot offer much in the capital and the way of drafting young talent. So the Bucks only entertain offers from the Knicks if they want to stay competitive.
A three-team contract may be the best way for the Knicks to land one of the best players in the league.
Complete mock trade details:
- The Knicks receive: Giannis Antetokounmo, Vasilije Micić
- Backs Receive: Karl-Anthony Towns, Bradley Beal, Royce O’Neal, Miles McBride, Pacôme Dadiet, 2030 NYK Pick Swap
- Sands receives: Damian Lillard, Tyler Korek, Tyler Smith, 2026 Round Pick via NYK
Even this massive trade may not be enough, but the core of Kyle Kuzma, the town, Beale, O’Neill and McBride should be enough to keep the Bucks competitive in the east.
Of course, the haul of pick rading from Brooklyn, Houston or San Antonio could blow this offer out of the water, but the Bucks are likely to gain so much talent in the deal and could make the playoffs next season.