Knicks unlikely to land Antetokounmpo during season; interest in Chris Paul viewed as remote
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The New York Knicks, who made a formal offseason bid for Giannis Antetokounmpo, are not expected to revisit trade talks for the two-time MVP during the current campaign, SNY’s Ian Begley reported in a Wednesday video post. Begley indicated the forward would probably need to push for a move to New York, and even then the Milwaukee Bucks would not be obligated to comply. A league source told Begley the Knicks are comfortable with their roster and believe they are well positioned in a wide-open Eastern Conference.
Begley also downplayed the likelihood of New York acquiring Chris Paul. The Los Angeles Clippers announced Wednesday morning that they are “parting ways” with the 40-year-old guard, though he cannot be traded before Dec. 15 and is not expected to be waived in the near term. While the Knicks have explored dealing for the 12-time All-Star, Begley called a trade “highly unlikely” at this stage.
Columnists Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News and Mike Vaccaro of the New York Post examined the Paul scenario. Vaccaro argued the future Hall of Famer would be an upgrade over second-year reserve Tyler Kolek and could be obtained without surrendering major assets. Winfield countered that Paul’s declining production and defense make him an imperfect fit, but acknowledged the veteran would add a much-needed playmaker off the bench.
Backup point guard remains a concern for New York. Stefan Bondy of the New York Post noted that Kolek has recently received the reserve minutes behind starter Jalen Brunson, yet the club has struggled during his stretches on the floor. Bondy cited two NBA executives who believe several guards could become available ahead of the February deadline, including Paul, Jose Alvarado (Pelicans), Tre Jones (Bulls) and Tyus Jones (Magic).
Begley said he expects Josh Hart to stay in the starting lineup even with OG Anunoby nearing a return. Anunoby, out the past nine games with a strained left hamstring, is listed as questionable for Friday’s matchup against Utah. Hart has produced his best stretch of the season during the forward’s absence.
Despite winning five of their last six, the Knicks have surrendered double-digit leads in five of those contests, most recently in Wednesday’s victory over Charlotte. “Teams aren’t just going to lay down,” Brunson said afterward. “We build a lead, you’ve got to anticipate they’re going to fight back … We can’t let them get all the way back like we’ve been doing.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
