Why the Knicks need to be cautious about pushing for a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade

It would be unfair to consider New York Knicks‘quest for Giannis Antetokounmpo as “back,” because of the implication that it ever stopped. The Milwaukee Bucks are finally ready to listen to offers for their superstar. Nothing is certain until Wednesday about the destination or the train schedule, but one thing is clear about the Knicks. If Antetokounmpo really available before the Feb. 5 trade deadline, they should all be included.

It’s not often that an NBA team finds out exactly how far things have to go for their governor to appear on local radio and declare that they “absolutely” have to make the NBA Finals. The Nix made that discovery On January 5th, when James Dolan did just that on VFAN The Carton Show during a discussion about head coaching expectations Mike Brown and his group.

Dolan’s confidence was symbolic of a new era of Knicks basketball. Leon Rose’s front office has transformed them from a perennial laughing stock to one of the league’s better teams in five years, without any turnovers. Despite reaching the Eastern Conference finals and the NBA Cup championship, the ultimate goal is the NBA championship. Dolan also admitted it.

“We’re going to raise the banner. We’re going to raise the NBA championship banner. That’s the banner we want to raise. We want the NBA championship, we don’t some consolation prize” Dolan told WFAN hosts Craig Carton and Chris McMonigle.

That’s a lofty goal. It’s one the team could be equipped for. Acquiring the 2021 Finals MVP to help them do that is a move worth making, regardless of the cost.

The Knicks’ NBA championship expectations leave little room for error

After a successful NBA Cup run in December, Madison Square Garden was filled with dreams of that trip to the NBA Finals. The Knicks record 7-11 over next 18 gameshowever, he turned that excitement into anxiety. The team has gone on to win four straight, including Wednesday’s win against the Toronto Raptors.

The momentum the team was building culminated in a defensive masterclass in the third quarter and a stunning postgame reception by Mikal Bridges. The wing cited a potential sense of “rightness” as a factor in his recent struggles, describing himself as “uncoachable” before the self-reflection. From Offensive integration of Mitchell Robinson returning stars, the Knicks are getting hot at the right time.

However, with the Feb. 5 trade deadline approaching and Antetokounmpo “ready for a new home,” New York is left with a complicated dilemma. Messing with what has just started to bring consistent success? Or do we hope that any potential change for Giannis happens in the offseason, when their group will have a full season under a new coach?

During the offseason, it was clear that the Knicks were Antetokounmpo’s preferred destination. Although the 31-year-old has suffered from recurring calf injuries this season, it appears to be a problem overtaking the leagueNew York needs to show the trust their governor had on local radio and trust their medical staff. That includes what they can, other than starting Jalen Brunson, to get the Greek freak.

The Knicks can’t afford to get complacent in their pursuit of Giannis

The Knicks decimated their future flexibility by trading contracts for Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns in the same offseason. The trade for Antetokounmpo, however, negates any concerns. Acquiring a superstar now could leave the Knicks without much playoff depth. But they’re in the conversation because of Antetokounmpo’s desires, not the return they can offer. They should take the opportunity if they get it.

Even if the Knicks and Bucks need it find other trading partners to come to an agreement, the teams appeared to be able to do so during the offseason. At least one potential deal that would send Antetokounmpo to New York involved a third team to help, league sources told ClutchPoints.

As the smoke continues to clear from Milwaukee, reports surrounding the Antetokounmpo situation suggest this could drag on into the offseason. A sweepstakes that lasts until the summer would not, by itself, disqualify the Knicks. They will no longer have Robinson under contract, but they could offer more capital at the start of their rookie year.

Regardless of what the package looks like, there’s no question the Knicks will have to say goodbye in the event of a trade. This team didn’t win a championship, but is coming off the best season the franchise has produced in 25 years. However, if the offseason in New York has shown fans anything, it’s that they are willing to make changes because “especially focused on winning championships.” Aside from Brunson, should anything be off the table?

It appears that Antetokounmpo and the Bucks are ready to begin the process of their separation. The Knicks are too close to their championship aspirations to let the cost scare them out of the mix.