The New York Knicks continue to monitor the availability of Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, but league sources told the New York Post the price tag remains prohibitive.
Giannis Talks Stalled by Draft-Pick Deficit
According to the report, Milwaukee is seeking “blue-chip” young players and several first-round picks in any Antetokounmpo deal. New York currently controls only one first-round selection that can be moved—a top-eight-protected 2026 pick from the Washington Wizards that could convert to second-rounders. Unless Antetokounmpo specifically asks for Madison Square Garden, the Knicks are viewed as long-shots. Their leverage could improve this summer, when two first-round picks return to their control.
Yabusele on the Trading Block
Forward Guerschon Yabusele, who has a $5.8 million player option for 2024-25, is being shopped to multiple teams, the Post reported. New York has shown interest in New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado and rookie big man Yves Missi, as well as Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis, league sources said.
Yabusele recently told Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo he is focused on remaining in the NBA but would not rule out a future EuroLeague return, adding, “We will see what opportunities present themselves.”
Towns Framework Created Friction
The Knicks explored an Antetokounmpo trade concept last offseason built around Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns, but negotiations stalled. One NBA executive quoted in the Post said Towns’ contract—worth more than $50 million annually in coming seasons—has limited trade appeal, calling the three-time All-Star “not a winning player.”
Sam Amick of The Athletic reported the discussions generated lingering tension between Towns and the Knicks’ front office. Towns dismissed the speculation, saying, “I focus on the job at hand, which is trying to get wins every single night.”
The Knicks enter the trade deadline weighing their limited draft capital against an aggressive pursuit of roster upgrades, while monitoring any shift in Antetokounmpo’s stance on Milwaukee.
Source: Hoops Wire
