Stephen A. Smith Floats Stunning Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Scenario if Knicks Fall Short in the NBA Finals

However, Smith’s comments arrived just days after he strongly defended Bridges as one of the Knicks’ most important players entering the Finals. 

“If I had to give up KAT and Mikal Bridges, for example, for Giannis, it would be incredibly difficult, but I would still have to say yes to a healthy Giannis because I know he’s giving me 30 and 10 a night, like literally 30 a night,” he added.

Earlier in the series, the long-time sports commentator insisted New York “ain’t winning no damn championship” without Bridges playing at a high level.

That stance appeared to shift quickly after Bridges struggled badly in Game 3, scoring just two points on five shot attempts during the Knicks’ 115-111 loss at Madison Square Garden.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Market Will Face a Major Impact From Knicks-Spurs NBA Finals Than People Think

Apart from Stephen A.’s wild trade idea, the outcome of the NBA Finals may end up reshaping the Giannis Antetokounmpo market far more than most people realize.

While Milwaukee continues evaluating possible trade scenarios for its franchise superstar, league-wide belief is growing that the Bucks may wait until after the Finals before finalizing any move. And one team in particular that appears central to that thinking is the Knicks.

According to Marc Stein, the Bucks want to see whether New York’s Finals run ends in celebration or disaster before determining how aggressive the Knicks might become in the Giannis sweepstakes.

If the Knicks somehow blow their current 2-1 series lead against San Antonio, the reaction inside the organization could reportedly change dramatically.

A collapse after leading 2-0 in the Finals would immediately trigger questions about the roster’s ceiling, especially with the Knicks operating inside a narrow championship window built around veteran contributors. That scenario could push New York back toward pursuing Antetokounmpo aggressively after previously being linked to him throughout the past year.