Unexpected third team could facilitate Giannis Antetokounmpo trade to Knicks

Giannis Antetokounmpo's situation with the Milwaukee Bucks has been one of the biggest talking points in the NBA this season.

The Greek star has gone back and forth with his comments about his desire to stay and he has taken some apparent shots at his teammates.

That's why, with the Feb. 5 trade deadline approaching and his team struggling to stay afloat, some teams might want to touch base on a potential trade, again.

Considering that, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that the Portland Trail Blazers could facilitate a transaction. While they won't pursue Giannis, they may look to make the most of the potential trade fallout.

The Blazers could help Giannis go to New York

"Blazers officials have always viewed Giannis Antetokounmpo's potential Milwaukee exit as a chance to improve their own roster by jumping into a multi-team deal," Fischer wrote. "So there is absolutely a down-the-road world where the Blazers could try to butt into, say, Milwaukee/New York talks if Giannis-to-the-Knicks ever got serious. File this away as well: League sources say Portland has long admired New York's Mikal Bridges going back to [Damian] Lillard's first stint as a Blazer."

The Knicks gave up four first-round picks to get Bridges. He hasn't lived up to that trade value, and chances are he won't.

Giannis has reportedly kept an eye on New York City as his preferred trade destination for a while now. While the Bucks have no obligation to trade him or send him to any team in particular, having a third team with a plethora of assets join the conversation could certainly make life easier for all parties involved.