The New York Knicks have a means to match Giannis Antetocomo’s massive salary, but not the next team.
The New York Knicks were linked to superstar Giannis Anteto Compo on NBA trade rumours, even before losing to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Theoretically, the Knicks could offer Karl Anthony’s town and Rookie Pacom Dadiette to balance Antetocomo’s $54.1 million salary, but the Milwaukee Bucks are not in a situation to win, especially if they trade the best players.
Knicks can also offer deals to high-level role players like Josh Hart and OG Anunoby, with ESPN’s Brian Windhorst urging fans to “discount” the Knicks at Antetokounmpo’s sweepstakes.
Of course, every team in the league is interested in the services of Antetokounmpo, and the Knicks simply cannot compete with offers.
If the Bucks are trading the best players in franchise history, that’s because Antetocomo doesn’t believe he can actually make the Bucks a success. Damien Lillard could miss everything for next season with Achilles’ injury, and trading Greek freaks would show a hard reset.
Town, Heart, Anunoby, or Milesbridge are not future assets, but winners and losers, and without Antetocompo, the Bucks have no competitive roster and make players worthless.
Of course, the Bucks need to regain established players to balance their pay, but the trade package needs to be supplemented by younger talent and draft capital.
The Knicks have two first round picks that can be exchanged for 2026 and 2030, but they are not assets that the Bucks are interested in.
On top of that, their young talent is limited to the 24-year-old miles. McBride will never be a true star. Rookies Tyler Korek, Ariel Fukulti and Dadiette have not been given much playing time this season, and the NBA’s feasibility is questionable.
Teams such as the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Brooklyn Nets, and Oklahoma City Thunder can easily match Antetokounmpo’s salary with veterans on contract expiration and Provides solid young talent and substantial draft capital.
Even teams like the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers can offer them in younger talent and pick ways than the Knicks.
The town is likely the best player that the Bucks can get trades for Anteto Compo, but they are not looking for established talent, they are looking for possibilities.
Linking superstars to the massive media market is a staple of the NBA offseason, but the Knicks are a shot that is too long to land Giannis this summer.