Zach Lowe names important player Knicks must keep in Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, another star ‘has to go…’

New York Knicks must keep Mitchell Robinson in Giannis Antetokounmpo trade

Zach Lowe spoke to Ian Begley on his podcast about a potential trade that sends Giannis Antetokounmpo to the New York Knicks.

He believes that in any trade, the Knicks have to keep hold of Mitchell Robinson and trade Karl-Anthony Towns. Landing Giannis cannot come at the cost of the Knicks trading their only viable center option.

“If there is a trade for Giannis at any point, KAT almost has to go out in the trade to make it workable in any way…

“That makes Mitchell Robinson the one and only proven center on the team… So he’s a massively important piece.”

Towns would be the most likely traded player, as his $53.1 million salary is close to Antetokounmpo’s, and the Knicks cannot afford to keep both stars.

Trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo is a risky idea for the Knicks

On paper, the idea of trading for a top-five NBA player like Giannis Antetokounmpo seems like a no-brainer for a contender like the New York Knicks.

However, the Knicks would be giving up a lot in that trade. Losing Karl-Anthony Towns for Giannis, along with any other assets, will impact their spacing, a key ingredient to any successful NBA team.

Giannis is a less-than-average shooter from beyond the arc. For all of his strengths, Antetokounmpo creates a complication in the Knicks’ dynamic.

Not to mention, it could upset the team’s harmony. Jalen Brunson might not like the Giannis trade, which could risk him leaving in free agency in the future.

The Knicks currently have their most complete roster in decades. Giving up their depth and construction to land Antetokounmpo when they’re already favorites in the East is not a good idea.