Knicks Linked to League-Shaking Trade
The New York Knicks’ dream of reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999 came to a crushing halt Saturday night, as they fell to the Indiana Pacers 125-108 in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Just two wins away from a historic breakthrough, the Knicks instead now face one of their most critical offseasons in decades.
Despite the heartbreak, there’s optimism in New York. The Knicks proved they’re a legitimate contender with a deep playoff run, powered by the brilliance of Jalen Brunson and the defensive grit of players like OG Anunoby and Josh Hart. But for some insiders, “close” isn’t enough — and change may be necessary.
Enter NBA insider Bill Simmons, who added jet fuel to the Knicks’ offseason fire by proposing a blockbuster trade scenario that would send Giannis Antetokounmpo to Madison Square Garden. On his podcast, Simmons floated a three-team deal involving the Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks, and San Antonio Spurs that would instantly shake up the league.
In Simmons’ hypothetical trade, the Knicks would land the two-time MVP and NBA champion, pairing him with Brunson to form arguably the most fearsome duo in the Eastern Conference. To get there, however, New York would need to give up major assets — including either OG Anunoby or Mikal Bridges, who’s been widely linked to New York for months.
Under Simmons’ scenario, San Antonio would absorb either Anunoby or Bridges and send sharpshooter Devin Vassell, along with several first-round picks, to the Bucks. In return, Milwaukee would also receive Karl-Anthony Towns from New York, creating a new core around Towns and Damian Lillard.
For the Knicks, the big reward is obvious. Giannis Antetokounmpo would give the franchise its first true superstar of this magnitude since Patrick Ewing. Locked in through 2028, Giannis would instantly elevate New York to title-contending status for the foreseeable future.
Still, there are complications. Simmons acknowledged the Knicks would need to absorb additional contracts to make the deal work financially, naming Pat Connaughton and Kyle Kuzma — likely rerouted from another team or included in salary-matching side deals — as players who could also land in New York.
But the biggest obstacle? Milwaukee’s willingness to let Giannis go at all. “I don’t think this will happen,” Simmons admitted. “If I’m Milwaukee, I just wouldn’t do it. I’d rather keep Giannis, take him into February, and see if I get more leverage at the deadline.”
Simmons’ scenario has sparked major discussion among Knicks fans and NBA media. While many consider it far-fetched, the idea reflects a growing sense that the Knicks, armed with young talent and a mountain of draft picks, are in prime position to make a swing-for-the-fences move.
Adding fuel to the fire is the uncertain future of several Knicks players. Julius Randle missed the playoffs with injury and could be a trade chip. Anunoby has a player option and may test free agency. Mitchell Robinson’s injury history complicates his long-term value. There are pieces to move, and a front office known to be aggressive.
Whether Giannis is the target or not, one thing is certain: the Knicks are no longer rebuilding. They are a win-now team with championship aspirations. The question is whether Leon Rose and the front office are ready to go all-in — and whether this summer becomes one of the most transformative in franchise history.
Until then, the Garden faithful are left with the same mix of pride and pain — hopeful that next season might finally be the one that ends in glory, not heartbreak.