Knicks’ Giannis Pursuit, Towns Tension and Yabusele Trade Efforts Highlight New York Rumor Mill
SLUG: knicks-giannis-towns-yabusele-trade-rumors
CONTENT:
NEW YORK — Last offseason, the New York Knicks contacted the Milwaukee Bucks about a potential deal for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo after the forward listed New York as a preferred destination, league sources told multiple outlets. Discussions stalled, in part because Karl-Anthony Towns was floated as outgoing salary and some team executives questioned the center’s value, according to The New York Post.
Market doubts over Towns
One unnamed executive said he does not believe there is “a market for KAT,” citing Towns’ sizable contract and uncertain impact on winning. Internal sources told The Athletic that the brief Antetokounmpo talks left lingering friction between Towns and the Knicks’ front office.
Towns, who arrived from Minnesota before last season, downplayed the situation. “I focus on the job at hand, which is trying to get wins every single night,” he said. “I’m not worried about what anybody has to say.”
Knicks remain interested in Antetokounmpo
The franchise continues to monitor Antetokounmpo’s situation, but Milwaukee is reportedly seeking multiple blue-chip prospects and several first-round picks. New York currently controls only a top-eight-protected 2026 first-rounder from Washington that is expected to convert into two second-round selections, leaving the Knicks short on assets. Their position could improve this summer when they will have two tradable first-round picks.
Efforts to move Yabusele’s contract
New York is actively shopping forward/center Guerschon Yabusele, who holds a $5.8 million player option for next season. The front office has engaged several clubs and continues to show interest in Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado, Baylor center Yves Missi and Kings guard Keon Ellis, sources told The Post.
Yabusele said he remains focused on staying in the NBA but would not rule out a return to Europe “if opportunities present themselves.”
Bridges responds to slump
Veteran wing Mikal Bridges snapped a month-long shooting downturn with 30 points on 12-for-15 shooting in Wednesday’s win at Toronto. He called Saturday’s nine-point performance in Philadelphia “a wake-up call,” acknowledging he needed to be more coachable and let “the basketball speak for itself.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
