While it may not happen until a year from now, a top NBA insider believes the New York Knicks and three other big market clubs would be top contenders if Giannis Antetokounmpo hit the trade block.
When it comes to the positive surprises in the 2022-2023 NBA playoffs, the New York Knicks were at the top of the list as they made a strong push to reach the Eastern Conference for the first time in two decades. However, the most stunning storyline by far was the Milwaukee Bucks being bounced in the opening round of the postseason.
Also Read: Damian Lillard trade talks reportedly ramping up, latest news on Trail Blazers’ asking price
After years of being respected for their continuity and consistency, the organization is now in flux following their shocking playoff loss to the eight-seed Miami Heat. It has kicked the door wide open to the unexpected idea of Giannis Antetokounmpo trying to find his way out of Wisconsin if the team can’t win a second title in this decade.
What has made matters all the worse is that the two-time MVP has started to publicly put pressure on the team to put together a serious contender or he will ponder a future elsewhere. That was a subject of conversation between ESPN NBA insiders Ramona Shelburne and Zach Lowe during a new edition of “The Lowe Post” podcast.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo stats (’22-’23): 31.1 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 5.7 APG, 0.8 SPG, 28% 3PT
New York Knicks could have competition from Los Angeles Lakers in Giannis Antetokounmpo trade market
Both agreed that Antetokounmpo is probably too good to trade, however, if the Bucks were under the impression they wouldn’t be able to hold on to him a trade should seriously be considered. And in that case, Shelburne believes both New York basketball teams would be strong contenders to get a trade done.
“The New York Knicks [are a top contender] because they really do have a lot of assets. They didn’t make that Donovan Mitchell trade. They have some interesting young players. They have a lot of picks. I think they’re very well-positioned.
“Brooklyn is very well positioned as well if they could convince him to want to sign there long-term. But this is where market matters because if he’s a pending free agent, you don’t give up everything if you don’t know he’s going to stay there long-term.”
– Ramona Shelburne
However, those were not the only the only likely contenders. Shelburne also believes another pair of big market clubs would be in the race alongside the New York Knicks.
“I think the Lakers have to be in that discussion. I don’t know what they would trade for him. But they have to be in that discussion. They now have some good contracts and some interesting young players that they either drafted and developed or signed as a free agent and developed.”
“And of course, you have to bring up the Miami Heat. That’s the team that whenever there’s a star that becomes available you have to bring up the Heat.”
– Ramona Shelburne
The ESPN NBA insider also suggested the Golden State Warriors might be a dark horse contender because of the friendship Stephen Curry has with his fellow superstar.