Kat/OG for Giannis/Kuzma

[R-DAWG]

So many things would need to fall into place for the Knicks to acquire Giannis - and the most important parts can’t happen until after the season (a) the Knicks become eligible to trade 2 firsts on draft night - rights to 2026 1st plus 2033 1st in addition to 2 swaps and (b) Giannis enters the last year of his contract and refuses to sign an extension, giving him leverage.

Realistically- the Knicks are going to have to get a premium return for either Bridges or Anunoby to make a Giannis for KAT swap work. Is it possible the Knicks get the Desmond Bane package for one of them, sure. Is it probable, not really.

But is it possible that Portland is better than expected and offers control of the Bucks draft (2 swaps, 1 pick) from 28-30 as part of a deal for Bridges or Anunoby. Sure. Likely, no. But that the kind of break the Knicks need.

[Wolveswin]

So many things would need to fall into place for the Knicks to acquire Giannis - and the most important parts can’t happen until after the season (a) the Knicks become eligible to trade 2 firsts on draft night - rights to 2026 1st plus 2033 1st in addition to 2 swaps and (b) Giannis enters the last year of his contract and refuses to sign an extension, giving him leverage.

Realistically- the Knicks are going to have to get a premium return for either Bridges or Anunoby to make a Giannis for KAT swap work. Is it possible the Knicks get the Desmond Bane package for one of them, sure. Is it probable, not really.

But is it possible that Portland is better than expected and offers control of the Bucks draft (2 swaps, 1 pick) from 28-30 as part of a deal for Bridges or Anunoby. Sure. Likely, no. But that the kind of break the Knicks need.

On draft day, I think Knicks can offer:
2026 Knicks 1st Rights to that player
2026 #31 Rights to that player (what becomes of Wizards owed protected 1st)
2027 Wizards high 2nd rounder
2028 Knicks 1st swap (but after others have dibs)
2030 Knicks 1st swap
2032 Knicks 1st swap
2033 Knicks 1st

I think Blazers would rather have Towns. Blazers have plenty of forwards. And Towns would really open up lane for Dame while looking good in a lineup that needs shooting.

Grant/Clingan/Bucks 1sts back for Towns/filler

I think to sweeten the deal for Blazers those 2x Bucks swaps can become Knicks swaps (if needed). Either way, Bucks get control of their longterm future. Add that to the win-now players and Knicks draft capital - fairly good return for 1 year control Giannis going out.

Bucks can then float Turner to NOP or Hawks (not sure how that one works - who can give it back) for their 2027 1st back (Bucks can add a Knicks swap to sweeten the deal need be).

[JRoy]

So many things would need to fall into place for the Knicks to acquire Giannis - and the most important parts can’t happen until after the season (a) the Knicks become eligible to trade 2 firsts on draft night - rights to 2026 1st plus 2033 1st in addition to 2 swaps and (b) Giannis enters the last year of his contract and refuses to sign an extension, giving him leverage.

Realistically- the Knicks are going to have to get a premium return for either Bridges or Anunoby to make a Giannis for KAT swap work. Is it possible the Knicks get the Desmond Bane package for one of them, sure. Is it probable, not really.

But is it possible that Portland is better than expected and offers control of the Bucks draft (2 swaps, 1 pick) from 28-30 as part of a deal for Bridges or Anunoby. Sure. Likely, no. But that the kind of break the Knicks need.

On draft day, I think Knicks can offer:
2026 Knicks 1st Rights to that player
2026 #31 Rights to that player (what becomes of Wizards owed protected 1st)
2027 Wizards high 2nd rounder
2028 Knicks 1st swap (but after others have dibs)
2030 Knicks 1st swap
2032 Knicks 1st swap
2033 Knicks 1st

I think Blazers would rather have Towns. Blazers have plenty of forwards. And Towns would really open up lane for Dame while looking good in a lineup that needs shooting.

Grant/Clingan/Bucks 1sts back for Towns/filler

I think to sweeten the deal for Blazers those 2x Bucks swaps can become Knicks swaps (if needed). Either way, Bucks get control of their longterm future. Add that to the win-now players and Knicks draft capital - fairly good return for 1 year control Giannis going out.

Bucks can then float Turner to NOP or Hawks (not sure how that one works - who can give it back) for their 2027 1st back (Bucks can add a Knicks swap to sweeten the deal need be).

Pass for POR.

Zero interest in KAT.

[mlloyd10]

What Giannis is traded for has nothing to do with what Bucks want. It’s what others are willing to pay, which has a lot to do when Giannis is traded.

Will Bucks have multiple Giannis offers to choose from? Sure. Logical. What they want of those packages from what others are willing to pay is their choice.

But when Giannis is traded alters offers tremendously. Giannis has 2x years team control right now. Then choice is his where he ends up. I don’t think, however, Giannis is being traded this year. Bucks seem set to play season with current roster and see what happens this season - then deal with Giannis next offseason. So…

We are talking trade offers for 1x guaranteed year of Giannis. Then he has all the leverage. One year of Giannis control means the blue chip proposals dry up. No team is trading a rookie contract (or 2nd contract) blue chipper for 1x year Giannis. Offers will be in line with what Spurs got from Raptors for a 1x year Kawhi. With this Knicks offer (OP) probably one of the best on the table.

I mean if he's traded to somewhere he wants to go, he can agree to extend as part of the trade. But if KAT and OG is the offer with 2 guaranteed playoff runs, it's not like NYC will pull it next summer. They've got to salary match anyway.

The other thing to consider is that teams like the Knicks have no realistic way of opening up the cap space to sign him outright. If the offers are meh, the Bucks could theoretically keep him on the roster while paying off two seasons of their pick debt and Dame's cap hit. If his preferred destination needs help the summer after next, the Bucks can still extract some value then. I don't think that's a good plan, but it's an option.

You're assuming that blue chip prospects are on the table now for him, but if that's the case, those offers haven't leaked.

Yes, I think blue chip offers are on the table right now for 2x years of Giannis. Plus what you just typed about cap space holds true for team trading for Giannis now too.

For example, Houston could trade for Giannis using a blue chipper. They get 2x years for Giannis, and come offseason of 2027, if Giannis wants Knicks, Rockets get S&T value for Giannis (probably OP).

What will change the offers most are 1 year control vs 2 and of course how much smoke to the Knicks destination fire being true.

Stop acting like you know what he is worth

[Wolveswin]

I mean if he's traded to somewhere he wants to go, he can agree to extend as part of the trade. But if KAT and OG is the offer with 2 guaranteed playoff runs, it's not like NYC will pull it next summer. They've got to salary match anyway.

The other thing to consider is that teams like the Knicks have no realistic way of opening up the cap space to sign him outright. If the offers are meh, the Bucks could theoretically keep him on the roster while paying off two seasons of their pick debt and Dame's cap hit. If his preferred destination needs help the summer after next, the Bucks can still extract some value then. I don't think that's a good plan, but it's an option.

You're assuming that blue chip prospects are on the table now for him, but if that's the case, those offers haven't leaked.

Yes, I think blue chip offers are on the table right now for 2x years of Giannis. Plus what you just typed about cap space holds true for team trading for Giannis now too.

For example, Houston could trade for Giannis using a blue chipper. They get 2x years for Giannis, and come offseason of 2027, if Giannis wants Knicks, Rockets get S&T value for Giannis (probably OP).

What will change the offers most are 1 year control vs 2 and of course how much smoke to the Knicks destination fire being true.

Stop acting like you know what he is worth

Because you do? Anyone here does? Do we all need to type ‘In my opinion’ before every post?

[R-DAWG]

So many things would need to fall into place for the Knicks to acquire Giannis - and the most important parts can’t happen until after the season (a) the Knicks become eligible to trade 2 firsts on draft night - rights to 2026 1st plus 2033 1st in addition to 2 swaps and (b) Giannis enters the last year of his contract and refuses to sign an extension, giving him leverage.

Realistically- the Knicks are going to have to get a premium return for either Bridges or Anunoby to make a Giannis for KAT swap work. Is it possible the Knicks get the Desmond Bane package for one of them, sure. Is it probable, not really.

But is it possible that Portland is better than expected and offers control of the Bucks draft (2 swaps, 1 pick) from 28-30 as part of a deal for Bridges or Anunoby. Sure. Likely, no. But that the kind of break the Knicks need.

On draft day, I think Knicks can offer:
2026 Knicks 1st Rights to that player
2026 #31 Rights to that player (what becomes of Wizards owed protected 1st)
2027 Wizards high 2nd rounder
2028 Knicks 1st swap (but after others have dibs)
2030 Knicks 1st swap
2032 Knicks 1st swap
2033 Knicks 1st

I think Blazers would rather have Towns. Blazers have plenty of forwards. And Towns would really open up lane for Dame while looking good in a lineup that needs shooting.

Grant/Clingan/Bucks 1sts back for Towns/filler

I think to sweeten the deal for Blazers those 2x Bucks swaps can become Knicks swaps (if needed). Either way, Bucks get control of their longterm future. Add that to the win-now players and Knicks draft capital - fairly good return for 1 year control Giannis going out.

Bucks can then float Turner to NOP or Hawks (not sure how that one works - who can give it back) for their 2027 1st back (Bucks can add a Knicks swap to sweeten the deal need be).

Pass for POR.

Zero interest in KAT.

J-Roy - we have had plenty of Blazers banter over the years, so I wanted to ask you, what exactly are the Blazers trying to do right now?

They have been in the lottery 4 straight years and those picks have yielded Shaden Sharpe, Scoot, Clingan and Yang Hanson. Some nice players with interesting upside but far from a franchise cornerstone. And starting next summer you need to make decisions on paying guys.

The Dame trade essentially turned into Deni Advija, the 2028 Bucks picks, 2 Bucks swaps and there is kind of an extra swap still on their 2029 pick. The Bucks picks are hard to value since they cover Giannis age 33-35 seasons - a point where if he is still on the team he should still be good enough to drag them into the playoffs in the east. Of course there is the chance he leaves and those picks become lottery tickets. So not only has 4 years in the lottery not yielded franchise changing talent, it also hasn’t resulted in a treasure trove of assets.

Resigning Dame this summer was more about nostalgia, but the Jrue trade signaled, at least to me, that sitting in the lottery and hoping to strike gold for the next 3-5 years isn’t appealing to ownership, who would prefer to have a decent run as a low end playoff team similar to the late 2010 Orlando Magic or the current version of the Bulls.

Am I reading this wrong? That the franchise doesn’t want to face a decade of being irrelevant, and the priority has shifted from rebuilding through the draft to building a playoff team now? Of course, your own future picks would be off the table here for trades.

[JRoy]

On draft day, I think Knicks can offer:
2026 Knicks 1st Rights to that player
2026 #31 Rights to that player (what becomes of Wizards owed protected 1st)
2027 Wizards high 2nd rounder
2028 Knicks 1st swap (but after others have dibs)
2030 Knicks 1st swap
2032 Knicks 1st swap
2033 Knicks 1st

I think Blazers would rather have Towns. Blazers have plenty of forwards. And Towns would really open up lane for Dame while looking good in a lineup that needs shooting.

Grant/Clingan/Bucks 1sts back for Towns/filler

I think to sweeten the deal for Blazers those 2x Bucks swaps can become Knicks swaps (if needed). Either way, Bucks get control of their longterm future. Add that to the win-now players and Knicks draft capital - fairly good return for 1 year control Giannis going out.

Bucks can then float Turner to NOP or Hawks (not sure how that one works - who can give it back) for their 2027 1st back (Bucks can add a Knicks swap to sweeten the deal need be).

Pass for POR.

Zero interest in KAT.

J-Roy - we have had plenty of Blazers banter over the years, so I wanted to ask you, what exactly are the Blazers trying to do right now?

They have been in the lottery 4 straight years and those picks have yielded Shaden Sharpe, Scoot, Clingan and Yang Hanson. Some nice players with interesting upside but far from a franchise cornerstone. And starting next summer you need to make decisions on paying guys.

The Dame trade essentially turned into Deni Advija, the 2028 Bucks picks, 2 Bucks swaps and there is kind of an extra swap still on their 2029 pick. The Bucks picks are hard to value since they cover Giannis age 33-35 seasons - a point where if he is still on the team he should still be good enough to drag them into the playoffs in the east. Of course there is the chance he leaves and those picks become lottery tickets. So not only has 4 years in the lottery not yielded franchise changing talent, it also hasn’t resulted in a treasure trove of assets.

Resigning Dame this summer was more about nostalgia, but the Jrue trade signaled, at least to me, that sitting in the lottery and hoping to strike gold for the next 3-5 years isn’t appealing to ownership, who would prefer to have a decent run as a low end playoff team similar to the late 2010 Orlando Magic or the current version of the Bulls.

Am I reading this wrong? That the franchise doesn’t want to face a decade of being irrelevant, and the priority has shifted from rebuilding through the draft to building a playoff team now? Of course, your own future picks would be off the table here for trades.

Great question.

I think POR really needs to figure out exactly what we have this season, with minimal personnel changes u less it is an absolute home run.

This team lacks a number one offensive option and what success we have had last year came from a scrappy defense. Some people see Deni in that role and there is alot to like in his in his game, but it a big jump from solid contributor on a lotto team to top option on a contender.

This is put up or shut up time for Sharpe and if he doesn’t take a big step the team needs to move on from him.

The idea that adding Holiday and Lillard indicates the team wants to compete seems obvious. It seems obvious to me that the team does not have confidence Scoot going forward. Drafting him was a mistake.

The idea that adding GA to this would produce a contender for a couple years is not just short sighted, it will not even work. If POR were in the east, it might. PHI, BOS and IND with injuries are an opportunity but this imagined team wouldn’t beat OKC, HOU or DEN in a series. Might not beat LAL, LAC or GSW either.

This is a big year, a fork in the road and it will be interesting to see what happens.

All this is just my opinion of course, and that opinion is typically contrarian. I thought a good question deserved a well-considered answer.

[R-DAWG]

Pass for POR.

Zero interest in KAT.

J-Roy - we have had plenty of Blazers banter over the years, so I wanted to ask you, what exactly are the Blazers trying to do right now?

They have been in the lottery 4 straight years and those picks have yielded Shaden Sharpe, Scoot, Clingan and Yang Hanson. Some nice players with interesting upside but far from a franchise cornerstone. And starting next summer you need to make decisions on paying guys.

The Dame trade essentially turned into Deni Advija, the 2028 Bucks picks, 2 Bucks swaps and there is kind of an extra swap still on their 2029 pick. The Bucks picks are hard to value since they cover Giannis age 33-35 seasons - a point where if he is still on the team he should still be good enough to drag them into the playoffs in the east. Of course there is the chance he leaves and those picks become lottery tickets. So not only has 4 years in the lottery not yielded franchise changing talent, it also hasn’t resulted in a treasure trove of assets.

Resigning Dame this summer was more about nostalgia, but the Jrue trade signaled, at least to me, that sitting in the lottery and hoping to strike gold for the next 3-5 years isn’t appealing to ownership, who would prefer to have a decent run as a low end playoff team similar to the late 2010 Orlando Magic or the current version of the Bulls.

Am I reading this wrong? That the franchise doesn’t want to face a decade of being irrelevant, and the priority has shifted from rebuilding through the draft to building a playoff team now? Of course, your own future picks would be off the table here for trades.

Great question.

I think POR really needs to figure out exactly what we have this season, with minimal personnel changes u less it is an absolute home run.

This team lacks a number one offensive option and what success we have had last year came from a scrappy defense. Some people see Deni in that role and there is alot to like in his in his game, but it a big jump from solid contributor on a lotto team to top option on a contender.

This is put up or shut up time for Sharpe and if he doesn’t take a big step the team needs to move on from him.

The idea that adding Holiday and Lillard indicates the team wants to compete seems obvious. It seems obvious to me that the team does not have confidence Scoot going forward. Drafting him was a mistake.

The idea that adding GA to this would produce a contender for a couple years is not just short sighted, it will not even work. If POR were in the east, it might. PHI, BOS and IND with injuries are an opportunity but this imagined team wouldn’t beat OKC, HOU or DEN in a series. Might not beat LAL, LAC or GSW either.

This is a big year, a fork in the road and it will be interesting to see what happens.

All this is just my opinion of course, and that opinion is typically contrarian. I thought a good question deserved a well-considered answer.

Good post - and I agree going all-in for Giannis would be a mistake for both the Blazers and Giannis. Giannis is better off staying in Milwaukee than going to Portland.

But you immediately said no to Towns. Now, if the price is cheap enough, and I’m not sure what it would be - for context Towns was traded for a fringe all-star level player, a solid bench player on a reasonable deal and a protected 1st rd pick. But what if the trade was Grant, the Bucks pick/swaps and another B-Level asset (ie 2026 Blazers 1st protected 1-14 for 2 years turning into 2 2nds plus the heavily protected Bulls pick). Gives you a #1 scoring option to have a few playoff years with Jrue/Dame and to see what you have with these young guys while keeping all your future picks and not clogging up the books long term.

The Knicks would only do this as part of a Giannis trade, which would only happen if there was a way to also sell high on OG Anunoby. But it’s an interesting conversation.

I’m surprised that you are writing off Scoot already. But I think it’s starting to be clear that Scoot/Sharpe isn’t a great long term fit. And I also wonder if Hanson/Clingan can fit together.

It goes to show we all love tanking, the draft, loading up on picks, ect. But the outcome the Blazers have experienced happens far more often than landing the foundation of a potential dynasty.

[JRoy]

J-Roy - we have had plenty of Blazers banter over the years, so I wanted to ask you, what exactly are the Blazers trying to do right now?

They have been in the lottery 4 straight years and those picks have yielded Shaden Sharpe, Scoot, Clingan and Yang Hanson. Some nice players with interesting upside but far from a franchise cornerstone. And starting next summer you need to make decisions on paying guys.

The Dame trade essentially turned into Deni Advija, the 2028 Bucks picks, 2 Bucks swaps and there is kind of an extra swap still on their 2029 pick. The Bucks picks are hard to value since they cover Giannis age 33-35 seasons - a point where if he is still on the team he should still be good enough to drag them into the playoffs in the east. Of course there is the chance he leaves and those picks become lottery tickets. So not only has 4 years in the lottery not yielded franchise changing talent, it also hasn’t resulted in a treasure trove of assets.

Resigning Dame this summer was more about nostalgia, but the Jrue trade signaled, at least to me, that sitting in the lottery and hoping to strike gold for the next 3-5 years isn’t appealing to ownership, who would prefer to have a decent run as a low end playoff team similar to the late 2010 Orlando Magic or the current version of the Bulls.

Am I reading this wrong? That the franchise doesn’t want to face a decade of being irrelevant, and the priority has shifted from rebuilding through the draft to building a playoff team now? Of course, your own future picks would be off the table here for trades.

Great question.

I think POR really needs to figure out exactly what we have this season, with minimal personnel changes u less it is an absolute home run.

This team lacks a number one offensive option and what success we have had last year came from a scrappy defense. Some people see Deni in that role and there is alot to like in his in his game, but it a big jump from solid contributor on a lotto team to top option on a contender.

This is put up or shut up time for Sharpe and if he doesn’t take a big step the team needs to move on from him.

The idea that adding Holiday and Lillard indicates the team wants to compete seems obvious. It seems obvious to me that the team does not have confidence Scoot going forward. Drafting him was a mistake.

The idea that adding GA to this would produce a contender for a couple years is not just short sighted, it will not even work. If POR were in the east, it might. PHI, BOS and IND with injuries are an opportunity but this imagined team wouldn’t beat OKC, HOU or DEN in a series. Might not beat LAL, LAC or GSW either.

This is a big year, a fork in the road and it will be interesting to see what happens.

All this is just my opinion of course, and that opinion is typically contrarian. I thought a good question deserved a well-considered answer.

Good post - and I agree going all-in for Giannis would be a mistake for both the Blazers and Giannis. Giannis is better off staying in Milwaukee than going to Portland.

But you immediately said no to Towns. Now, if the price is cheap enough, and I’m not sure what it would be - for context Towns was traded for a fringe all-star level player, a solid bench player on a reasonable deal and a protected 1st rd pick. But what if the trade was Grant, the Bucks pick/swaps and another B-Level asset (ie 2026 Blazers 1st protected 1-14 for 2 years turning into 2 2nds plus the heavily protected Bulls pick). Gives you a #1 scoring option to have a few playoff years with Jrue/Dame and to see what you have with these young guys while keeping all your future picks and not clogging up the books long term.

The Knicks would only do this as part of a Giannis trade, which would only happen if there was a way to also sell high on OG Anunoby. But it’s an interesting conversation.

I’m surprised that you are writing off Scoot already. But I think it’s starting to be clear that Scoot/Sharpe isn’t a great long term fit. And I also wonder if Hanson/Clingan can fit together.

It goes to show we all love tanking, the draft, loading up on picks, ect. But the outcome the Blazers have experienced happens far more often than landing the foundation of a potential dynasty.

I’m not interested in KAT or OG for POR. Curious to see what NYK can do this year as their only real competition in the east this year is MIL and ORL.

[mcfly1204]

Great question.

I think POR really needs to figure out exactly what we have this season, with minimal personnel changes u less it is an absolute home run.

This team lacks a number one offensive option and what success we have had last year came from a scrappy defense. Some people see Deni in that role and there is alot to like in his in his game, but it a big jump from solid contributor on a lotto team to top option on a contender.

This is put up or shut up time for Sharpe and if he doesn’t take a big step the team needs to move on from him.

The idea that adding Holiday and Lillard indicates the team wants to compete seems obvious. It seems obvious to me that the team does not have confidence Scoot going forward. Drafting him was a mistake.

The idea that adding GA to this would produce a contender for a couple years is not just short sighted, it will not even work. If POR were in the east, it might. PHI, BOS and IND with injuries are an opportunity but this imagined team wouldn’t beat OKC, HOU or DEN in a series. Might not beat LAL, LAC or GSW either.

This is a big year, a fork in the road and it will be interesting to see what happens.

All this is just my opinion of course, and that opinion is typically contrarian. I thought a good question deserved a well-considered answer.

Good post - and I agree going all-in for Giannis would be a mistake for both the Blazers and Giannis. Giannis is better off staying in Milwaukee than going to Portland.

But you immediately said no to Towns. Now, if the price is cheap enough, and I’m not sure what it would be - for context Towns was traded for a fringe all-star level player, a solid bench player on a reasonable deal and a protected 1st rd pick. But what if the trade was Grant, the Bucks pick/swaps and another B-Level asset (ie 2026 Blazers 1st protected 1-14 for 2 years turning into 2 2nds plus the heavily protected Bulls pick). Gives you a #1 scoring option to have a few playoff years with Jrue/Dame and to see what you have with these young guys while keeping all your future picks and not clogging up the books long term.

The Knicks would only do this as part of a Giannis trade, which would only happen if there was a way to also sell high on OG Anunoby. But it’s an interesting conversation.

I’m surprised that you are writing off Scoot already. But I think it’s starting to be clear that Scoot/Sharpe isn’t a great long term fit. And I also wonder if Hanson/Clingan can fit together.

It goes to show we all love tanking, the draft, loading up on picks, ect. But the outcome the Blazers have experienced happens far more often than landing the foundation of a potential dynasty.

I’m not interested in KAT or OG for POR. Curious to see what NYK can do this year as their only real competition in the east this year is MIL and ORL.

...and the best team in the East, Cleveland.

[JRoy]

Good post - and I agree going all-in for Giannis would be a mistake for both the Blazers and Giannis. Giannis is better off staying in Milwaukee than going to Portland.

But you immediately said no to Towns. Now, if the price is cheap enough, and I’m not sure what it would be - for context Towns was traded for a fringe all-star level player, a solid bench player on a reasonable deal and a protected 1st rd pick. But what if the trade was Grant, the Bucks pick/swaps and another B-Level asset (ie 2026 Blazers 1st protected 1-14 for 2 years turning into 2 2nds plus the heavily protected Bulls pick). Gives you a #1 scoring option to have a few playoff years with Jrue/Dame and to see what you have with these young guys while keeping all your future picks and not clogging up the books long term.

The Knicks would only do this as part of a Giannis trade, which would only happen if there was a way to also sell high on OG Anunoby. But it’s an interesting conversation.

I’m surprised that you are writing off Scoot already. But I think it’s starting to be clear that Scoot/Sharpe isn’t a great long term fit. And I also wonder if Hanson/Clingan can fit together.

It goes to show we all love tanking, the draft, loading up on picks, ect. But the outcome the Blazers have experienced happens far more often than landing the foundation of a potential dynasty.

I’m not interested in KAT or OG for POR. Curious to see what NYK can do this year as their only real competition in the east this year is MIL and ORL.

...and the best team in the East, Cleveland.

Didn’t mean to exclude CLE in the east or MN in the west. Had just woken up.

[NYG]

So many things would need to fall into place for the Knicks to acquire Giannis - and the most important parts can’t happen until after the season (a) the Knicks become eligible to trade 2 firsts on draft night - rights to 2026 1st plus 2033 1st in addition to 2 swaps and (b) Giannis enters the last year of his contract and refuses to sign an extension, giving him leverage.

Realistically- the Knicks are going to have to get a premium return for either Bridges or Anunoby to make a Giannis for KAT swap work. Is it possible the Knicks get the Desmond Bane package for one of them, sure. Is it probable, not really.

But is it possible that Portland is better than expected and offers control of the Bucks draft (2 swaps, 1 pick) from 28-30 as part of a deal for Bridges or Anunoby. Sure. Likely, no. But that the kind of break the Knicks need.

How many firsts would Detroit give in a Mikal Bridges for Duncan Robinson/Marcus Sasser swap you think? I could see that bringing their core together nicely.

Dallas Mavericks get:
OG Anunoby

Detroit Pistons get:
Mikal Bridges

Milwaukee Bucks get:
Karl-Anthony Towns
Duncan Robinson
Pacome Dadiet
All of the Pistons 1sts via Bridges swap
2029 Lakers 1st via Dallas
2031 Mavericks 1st

New York Knicks get:
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Kyle Kuzma
Klay Thompson
Caleb Martin
Naji Marshall
Marcus Sasser

[doogie_hauser]

KAT and his contract is almost untradeable imo

[R-DAWG]

So many things would need to fall into place for the Knicks to acquire Giannis - and the most important parts can’t happen until after the season (a) the Knicks become eligible to trade 2 firsts on draft night - rights to 2026 1st plus 2033 1st in addition to 2 swaps and (b) Giannis enters the last year of his contract and refuses to sign an extension, giving him leverage.

Realistically- the Knicks are going to have to get a premium return for either Bridges or Anunoby to make a Giannis for KAT swap work. Is it possible the Knicks get the Desmond Bane package for one of them, sure. Is it probable, not really.

But is it possible that Portland is better than expected and offers control of the Bucks draft (2 swaps, 1 pick) from 28-30 as part of a deal for Bridges or Anunoby. Sure. Likely, no. But that the kind of break the Knicks need.

How many firsts would Detroit give in a Mikal Bridges for Duncan Robinson/Marcus Sasser swap you think? I could see that bringing their core together nicely.

Dallas Mavericks get:
OG Anunoby

Detroit Pistons get:
Mikal Bridges

Milwaukee Bucks get:
Karl-Anthony Towns
Duncan Robinson
Pacome Dadiet
All of the Pistons 1sts via Bridges swap
2029 Lakers 1st via Dallas
2031 Mavericks 1st

New York Knicks get:
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Kyle Kuzma
Klay Thompson
Caleb Martin
Naji Marshall
Marcus Sasser

I think the Knicks are going to look at the Desmond Bane trade and expect similar value in a Bridges trade. Sure, with Bane your getting a guy in his age 27-30 season while with Bridges your getting a guy in his age 29-33 seasons. But similar level players on similar types of contracts. I assume you get 3-4 picks and 1-2 swaps for Bridges, with the difference being you don't get a pick as high upside as the rights to the 2026 PHX 1st.

For context - Orlando got the 16th pick in the 25 draft (as a known quantity), the rights via a swap to the Suns 2026 1st unprotected (high probability lottery pick in the short term) and then control of the Magic's draft years 3-5 after the trade. I could see a Detroit/Bridges swap with Sasser being the value of pick #16 and NY getting Detroit's picks in 26, 28 and 30 with a 2029 swap.

[Laimbeer]

The only way the Knicks have enough value to do a Giannis trade is if they move Brunson to a third team. It might be ideal to pair them, but I don't think that's in the cards. They are a noticeably better team with Giannis and a more legitimate contender.

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[Laimbeer]

So many things would need to fall into place for the Knicks to acquire Giannis - and the most important parts can’t happen until after the season (a) the Knicks become eligible to trade 2 firsts on draft night - rights to 2026 1st plus 2033 1st in addition to 2 swaps and (b) Giannis enters the last year of his contract and refuses to sign an extension, giving him leverage.

Realistically- the Knicks are going to have to get a premium return for either Bridges or Anunoby to make a Giannis for KAT swap work. Is it possible the Knicks get the Desmond Bane package for one of them, sure. Is it probable, not really.

But is it possible that Portland is better than expected and offers control of the Bucks draft (2 swaps, 1 pick) from 28-30 as part of a deal for Bridges or Anunoby. Sure. Likely, no. But that the kind of break the Knicks need.

How many firsts would Detroit give in a Mikal Bridges for Duncan Robinson/Marcus Sasser swap you think? I could see that bringing their core together nicely.

Dallas Mavericks get:
OG Anunoby

Detroit Pistons get:
Mikal Bridges

Milwaukee Bucks get:
Karl-Anthony Towns
Duncan Robinson
Pacome Dadiet
All of the Pistons 1sts via Bridges swap
2029 Lakers 1st via Dallas
2031 Mavericks 1st

New York Knicks get:
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Kyle Kuzma
Klay Thompson
Caleb Martin
Naji Marshall
Marcus Sasser

Bridges was not worth the fistful of first round picks the Knicks gave for him originally and he was cheap at that point. At 40 million a year I really have no interest.

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[NYG]

So many things would need to fall into place for the Knicks to acquire Giannis - and the most important parts can’t happen until after the season (a) the Knicks become eligible to trade 2 firsts on draft night - rights to 2026 1st plus 2033 1st in addition to 2 swaps and (b) Giannis enters the last year of his contract and refuses to sign an extension, giving him leverage.

Realistically- the Knicks are going to have to get a premium return for either Bridges or Anunoby to make a Giannis for KAT swap work. Is it possible the Knicks get the Desmond Bane package for one of them, sure. Is it probable, not really.

But is it possible that Portland is better than expected and offers control of the Bucks draft (2 swaps, 1 pick) from 28-30 as part of a deal for Bridges or Anunoby. Sure. Likely, no. But that the kind of break the Knicks need.

How many firsts would Detroit give in a Mikal Bridges for Duncan Robinson/Marcus Sasser swap you think? I could see that bringing their core together nicely.

Dallas Mavericks get:
OG Anunoby

Detroit Pistons get:
Mikal Bridges

Milwaukee Bucks get:
Karl-Anthony Towns
Duncan Robinson
Pacome Dadiet
All of the Pistons 1sts via Bridges swap
2029 Lakers 1st via Dallas
2031 Mavericks 1st

New York Knicks get:
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Kyle Kuzma
Klay Thompson
Caleb Martin
Naji Marshall
Marcus Sasser

Bridges was not worth the fistful of first round picks the Knicks gave for him originally and he was cheap at that point. At 40 million a year I really have no interest.

Sent from my Pixel 6 using RealGM mobile app

Cut Detroit out maybe? Would that even be preferred by Milwaukee?

Dallas Mavericks get:
OG Anunoby

Milwaukee Bucks get:
Karl-Anthony Towns
Mikal Bridges
Pacome Dadiet
2029 Lakers 1st via Dallas
2031 Mavericks 1st

New York Knicks get:
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Kyle Kuzma
Klay Thompson
Caleb Martin
Naji Marshall

[Wolveswin]

KAT and his contract is almost untradeable imo

In real life he was just traded for for Randle/DDV/1st. Proceeded to have an all star season in biggest market. His value didn’t go down. You need to recalibrate a little I think.

[LarsV8]

KAT and his contract is almost untradeable imo

In real life he was just traded for for Randle/DDV/1st. Proceeded to have an all star season in biggest market. His value didn’t go down. You need to recalibrate a little I think.

His value went down, as there are now less suitors for him.

Two teams, trying to contend, would have decided this guy is not it.

We are in a world where you can't really have fake max (or near max) players anymore, and hope to get it done. This is a market correction.

Trae
Booker
KAT
Lavine
Herro
Beal
George
Bam
Murray
and more

[Wolveswin]

KAT and his contract is almost untradeable imo

In real life he was just traded for for Randle/DDV/1st. Proceeded to have an all star season in biggest market. His value didn’t go down. You need to recalibrate a little I think.

His value went down, as there are now less suitors for him.

Two teams, trying to contend, would have decided this guy is not it.

We are in a world where you can't really have fake max (or near max) players anymore, and hope to get it done. This is a market correction.

Trae
Booker
KAT
Lavine
Herro
Beal
George
Bam
Murray
and more

His value didn’t go down. Come on now. Towns shined bright in another setting - proved what type of (all-star) player he was (not just a big fish in little pond of Minnesota). And with every passing offseason, his contract is being surrounded with others making what he makes or more - as the NBA adjust to the new CBA and real money contracts amounts being handed out.

Towns value didn’t go down. And 100% is not near ‘untradeable’. I mean, the real NBA just freshly showed us the truth. Maybe we should listen.