Knicks' best and worst Giannis Antetokounmpo trade scenarios

If the Milwaukee Bucks make Giannis Antetokounmpo available, no franchise would move faster than the New York Knicks. 

For decades, New York has chased the kind of superstar who could reset the franchise. Now, with their strongest foundation in 25 years — Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby — the question isn’t whether they would pursue Giannis, but how much of that foundation they could keep intact under the NBA’s restrictive new CBA.

Because the Knicks hover near the second apron, they cannot take back more salary than they send out. Any offer must be competitive and cap-legal, creating three potential paths: a best-case scenario that preserves the team’s identity, a realistic middle-ground outcome and a worst-case outcome reminiscent of the Melo trade. These proposals assume Milwaukee deals exclusively with New York under the premise that Giannis will only extend with the Knicks. Each also includes Thanasis Antetokounmpo.

Best-case scenario

The ideal version adds Giannis while preserving the Knicks’ defensive identity and core rotation: Brunson, Anunoby, Bridges, Mitchell Robinson, and Josh Hart. That requires centering an offer on Towns, draft capital and the Knicks’ two highest-upside young guards without gutting depth.

To Milwaukee: Towns, Deuce McBride, Tyler Kolek, an unprotected 2033 first, the protected Wizards first, 2026/2030 pick swaps
To New York: Giannis, Thanasis, Cole Anthony

This configuration keeps New York’s two-way structure intact. Brunson remains the offensive engine, while Anunoby and Bridges handle point-of-attack defense. Giannis becomes a hyper-versatile frontcourt anchor. Depth takes a manageable hit, but the biggest issue is finding a stretch center, as Giannis has historically thrived next to one, and Robinson’s lack of shooting pushes him into a bench role. Moving remaining assets such as Pacome Dadiet or Guerschon Yabusele for a floor-spacing big would address the lone hole.

In this outcome, New York becomes an immediate title favorite without compromising continuity — the rare superstar trade that raises the ceiling without fracturing the core.

Middle-ground scenario

A more realistic version forces the Knicks to surrender an additional starter.

To Milwaukee: Towns, Anunoby, the 2033 unprotected first, the Wizards first, 2026/2030 swaps
To New York: Giannis, Thanasis, Kyle Kuzma

The Bucks have no reason to help New York keep its rotation intact. If they demand another starter they can later flip, Anunoby is the logical choice. The Knicks retain Brunson, Bridges and Hart, but their depth and perimeter identity take a hit. They would need internal development from their draft picks, something the franchise has not consistently produced beyond McBride.

The roster becomes top-heavy but viable. A stretch center remains a necessity unless they experiment with Giannis at small-ball five — a poor long-term plan. Kuzma, flawed but productive in a bench role, could provide shot creation next to Clarkson and Robinson.

Worst-case scenario 

The nightmare scenario: Giannis does not name the Knicks as his only destination, sparks a bidding war and New York overpays to outbid the market.

To Milwaukee: Bridges, Anunoby, Hart, Kolek, McBride, Mohamed Diawara, multiple picks, swaps
To New York: Giannis, Thanasis, plus Kuzma, Bobby Portis, Gary Trent Jr.

Here, the Knicks land the superstar but lose the “wingstop” identity that defined their rise. They are left with Brunson, Towns and Giannis — and little depth, shooting or flexibility. This is precisely the blueprint that historically derailed the organization. Leon Rose, who witnessed firsthand how major overpays for Carmelo Anthony, Andrea Bargnani and Eddy Curry depleted the roster, is unlikely to repeat the same mistake.

For New York to take the next step without undoing years of careful team-building, avoiding this doomsday scenario is essential.