Antetokounmpo to Knicks Remains Unlikely Unless Star Demands Trade
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The New York Knicks’ hopes of acquiring two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo hinge almost entirely on the forward personally insisting on a move to Madison Square Garden, according to a report by Stefan Bondy of the New York Post.
New York is short on trade assets after surrendering five first-round draft picks last season to secure Mikal Bridges, leaving the club without the draft capital other potential bidders can offer the Milwaukee Bucks. Unless Antetokounmpo issues a “Knicks-or-nothing” ultimatum, league observers believe New York will struggle to present a competitive package.
On the court, the Knicks cruised past the Utah Jazz on Friday with a 34-point victory. Forward OG Anunoby returned from a nine-game absence caused by a left hamstring strain, contributing 11 points in 23 minutes under a predetermined minutes restriction.
“You always worry with a big lead—you don’t want anybody to get hurt—but we needed to get OG some game minutes,” head coach Mike Brown said, via ESPN’s Vince Goodwill. “I thought he looked good. I would’ve loved to get him to 25 or 26, but 22 or 23 worked.”
Josh Hart made his seventh start of the season in the blowout, a decision Brown credited to input from his coaching staff rather than personal preference. “If I’m the only one thinking the other way, maybe I’m wrong. And I’ve been wrong before,” Brown told Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News.
With Anunoby back and Hart in the starting lineup, the Knicks are healthier and back to winning comfortably—just not any closer to landing Antetokounmpo unless the superstar actively pushes for New York.
Source: Hoops Wire
