Shams: Knicks the Only Team Giannis Desires to Play For Outside of Milwaukee; Both Teams Discussed Potential Trade

[BowlRips]

Post where it was concretely stated it's Knicks or bust.

Bucks dont need find a 3rd team for KAT/OG, it's on Knicks to do that and facilitate something appealing to the Bucks. (Which is why I asked you to come up with offers and crickets). Because KAT/OG do nothing for the Bucks future.

Bucks lose leverage by the day. In the end they have no real say. If Giannis says he's not going to re-up with his next team then teams wont trade for him or give up the farm. As it stands the report is Knicks. Everyone on this thread can say Sengun this, Stephon Castle that but at the end of the day its what Giannis wants. He has already said as such his camp wants him in NY and theres been some traction and interest on both ends (of Giannis and the Knicks). Bucks are just a middle man at this point because the writing is on the wall. It would be different if Giannis didnt already deliver a championship to the Bucks but he did already. So with so many reports I think hes gone. We've seen this so many times before. Shams is not going to put this out there for nothing.

No they dont lose much leverage because the Knicks would have to gut their team to sign Giannis in free agency. Knicks are highly incentived to make a trade if they want him.

And no, its not only Knicks from Giannis perspective. Shams reporting said they are considering other teams. So if you believe original Shams reporting you have to take that at face value as well.

Bucks and Knicks met first and Knicks offer clearly wasn't close to good enough, hence talks shut down. Which is exactly the point I've made in this thread.

Knicks don't really have to "gut" their team to sign Giannis in FA. For the 27-28 offseason, the knicks have $120m on books between OG, Mikal and Brunson. Towns has a player option at $60m and Hart has a team option for $22m. Cap is projected to be upwards of $185m. If he wants to leave he can make a credible threat to go to NY.

[BowlRips]

Lots of fan buffoonery in this thread.

In my opinion, gauging a return for Antetokounmpo by looking at trades involving All-Stars is buffoonery. Antetokounmpo is not an All-Star. He is an All-Star who has been first team All-NBA for seven consecutive seasons. Antetokounmpo has been consistently productive and elite, literally surpassing every other NBA player over that period. Predicting his value by looking at trades of those who have produced a season or two at an elite level is more buffoonery.

It is also buffoonery to think that fans can predict Antetokounmpo's market value next summer. Especially if he is entering his age 32 season following eight consecutive first team All-NBA seasons - which seems likely.

Fans predicting star player movement on news "reports" is buffoonery.

Two summers ago Lillard was demanding a trade to Miami, the only possible outcome. No fans or media reports had Milwaukee as even a remote possibility. Fans and the media were clueless.

This summer Turner was the most highly coveted free agent. Losts of fan and media conjecture on where he would end up, but there was universal agreement that there was ZERO chance he that he could end up in Milwaukee. Which fans and media were clueless on Turner's free agency? That would be all of us.

So here we have clueless fans citing clueless media, smugly predicting Antetokounmpo scenarios cluelessly wrapped in rooting hopes of what they want to see happen, while ignoring the strong possibility of that which none of us are foreseeing. Here we are arguing whose buffoonery is most likely.

You are contradicting yourself.

What has been reported is that the Giannis was only open to NY and they had talks that weren't close. As time goes on, leverage and scenarios will change. But we do know the best offer the Knicks could make based on salary matching and their draft capital.

Will this go like Dame? Who knows? Maybe and as a layman we can speculate that the Bucks hold their ground and tell him go to San Antonio or Houston or pound sand?

Will this go like AD or Harden - who were both really specific where they wanted to go and got there? maybe again who knows.

We know the leverage positions. If you are posting on this board you understand all the arguments that can be made on both sides. How all 3 parties engage in this dynamic remains to be seen. Speculating either position is reasonable based on historical precedent.

[RHODEY]

Remember how Damian Lillard was Miami or bust? Where did he end up? Oh, that’s right, Milwaukee.

The Rockets would offer Sengun and picks for Giannis today if he was legitimately available, even with the risk he doesn’t extend. The Thunder are the class of the league, and they would want to pair Giannis with Durant to try and dethrone them. The Spurs also would make a strong offer, for similar reasons. Plus, Giannis and Wemby are both European players, so they may like the idea of pairing up. Orlando might be willing to put Wagner or Banchero on the table to elevate themselves. If Cleveland flames out again, they could change their tune about trading Mobley for Giannis.

The Bucks would take the best package of an established young player and picks, and that’s not Towns and Anunoby from the Knicks.

Rockets would have to throw in 30 million more on top of Sengun. The could do it if they got rid of their centers like Adams/ and Clint I think. But then who plays center? Also do they want to give up their future for the present? Especially if Giannis doesn't commit to them longterm and could still walk in 2027. Maybe.

If Giannis doesnt come off of his NY or the highway stance I think most teams will be hesitant to trade the farm. And no way does NY give both Kat and OG.

[sp6r=underrated]

No real news here but it's nice to know that the league's best now see the Knicks as a viable destination.

It is mind boggling that New York City went decades without being seen as a viable destination. It didn't work out for the Nets but Durant and Kyrie going there helped break the ice. Then the Knicks finally getting competent made free agents comfortable once again going to NYC. Which makes sense it is America's biggest, richest and most important city. Free should want to play there.

Crazy what Dolan, Isiah and others did to NYC basketball.

Anyway as a Knicks fan I'd love to have Giannis but I'm not going to get my hopes up. I don't think NY can put together a package that will get Milwaukee to deal him and Giannis isn't a Harden type character who is willing to go full toxic to get his way.

[LarsV8]

Here is what I think Houston would offer, today and maybe at the deadline (Next offseason offer goes down):

For Salary:
Sengun
Sheppard
Capela
couple min guys to line up salary needed.

For Picks
2027 Better pick of Hou and Brooklyn
2027 Phoenix
2029 Most Favorable of Phoenix, Dallas and Houston
2029 2nd Most Favorable of Phoenix, Dallas and Houston

Bucks likely need to send some of that out to get their picks back.

Davison / Holiday / (FVV)
Amen / Tate
Durant / Eason
Giannis / DFS / Green
Jabari / Adams

[davidv2001]

Remember how Damian Lillard was Miami or bust? Where did he end up? Oh, that’s right, Milwaukee.

The Rockets would offer Sengun and picks for Giannis today if he was legitimately available, even with the risk he doesn’t extend. The Thunder are the class of the league, and they would want to pair Giannis with Durant to try and dethrone them. The Spurs also would make a strong offer, for similar reasons. Plus, Giannis and Wemby are both European players, so they may like the idea of pairing up. Orlando might be willing to put Wagner or Banchero on the table to elevate themselves. If Cleveland flames out again, they could change their tune about trading Mobley for Giannis.

The Bucks would take the best package of an established young player and picks, and that’s not Towns and Anunoby from the Knicks.

That is the optimistic Bucks fan end of the outcome spectrum - well stated declaration of hope.

On the other end is taking what one can get with Knicks offer sitting in waiting (Towns/OG). With outside chance a win-now team can do a little better but it won’t be the Mobley/Banchero/Wagner/Castle/Sengun types of the world.

Most likely outcome is Bucks rode out the year with Giannis and with one contract year of control remaining - take what you can get is the play (see Knicks).

With let walk for nothing in 2027 an option to.

I completely disagree. All it takes is one team wanting to push all in to beat the Knicks offer of Towns and Anunoby. The Rockets would likely still offer Sengun, but with fewer picks, next offseason. If Cleveland doesn’t win the weakened East and their tax bill is high with their “core 4,” they might say we will trade Mobley for Giannis.

Toronto might say we are going nowhere with our current group, we’ll offer you Scottie Barnes + for the chance Giannis stays. Now, who knows if Milwaukee prefers Barnes + to a Towns/Anunoby offer, but my point remains. The same thing played out with Damian Lillard. Either the Knicks present an acceptable deal to Milwaukee, or the Bucks will find one elsewhere.

[davidv2001]

Remember how Damian Lillard was Miami or bust? Where did he end up? Oh, that’s right, Milwaukee.

The Rockets would offer Sengun and picks for Giannis today if he was legitimately available, even with the risk he doesn’t extend. The Thunder are the class of the league, and they would want to pair Giannis with Durant to try and dethrone them. The Spurs also would make a strong offer, for similar reasons. Plus, Giannis and Wemby are both European players, so they may like the idea of pairing up. Orlando might be willing to put Wagner or Banchero on the table to elevate themselves. If Cleveland flames out again, they could change their tune about trading Mobley for Giannis.

The Bucks would take the best package of an established young player and picks, and that’s not Towns and Anunoby from the Knicks.

Rockets would have to throw in 30 million more on top of Sengun. The could do it if they got rid of their centers like Adams/ and Clint I think. But then who plays center? Also do they want to give up their future for the present? Especially if Giannis doesn't commit to them longterm and could still walk in 2027. Maybe.

If Giannis doesnt come off of his NY or the highway stance I think most teams will be hesitant to trade the farm. And no way does NY give both Kat and OG.

The Rockets could offer Sengun, Finney-Smith and Adams along with picks if they want to keep Reed Sheppard. They would do that deal now, at the trade deadline, or next offseason (but perhaps with fewer picks.) As for who plays center, Adams nor Capela are good fits next to Giannis, so it’s not a big deal if they involve one in the trade.

Regardless, the Bucks are going to take the best deal for them. Not the best deal the Knicks are willing to offer.

The Heat found that out in the Damian Lillard sweepstakes.

[Wolveswin]

Remember how Damian Lillard was Miami or bust? Where did he end up? Oh, that’s right, Milwaukee.

The Rockets would offer Sengun and picks for Giannis today if he was legitimately available, even with the risk he doesn’t extend. The Thunder are the class of the league, and they would want to pair Giannis with Durant to try and dethrone them. The Spurs also would make a strong offer, for similar reasons. Plus, Giannis and Wemby are both European players, so they may like the idea of pairing up. Orlando might be willing to put Wagner or Banchero on the table to elevate themselves. If Cleveland flames out again, they could change their tune about trading Mobley for Giannis.

The Bucks would take the best package of an established young player and picks, and that’s not Towns and Anunoby from the Knicks.

That is the optimistic Bucks fan end of the outcome spectrum - well stated declaration of hope.

On the other end is taking what one can get with Knicks offer sitting in waiting (Towns/OG). With outside chance a win-now team can do a little better but it won’t be the Mobley/Banchero/Wagner/Castle/Sengun types of the world.

Most likely outcome is Bucks rode out the year with Giannis and with one contract year of control remaining - take what you can get is the play (see Knicks).

With let walk for nothing in 2027 an option to.

I completely disagree. All it takes is one team wanting to push all in to beat the Knicks offer of Towns and Anunoby. The Rockets would likely still offer Sengun, but with fewer picks, next offseason. If Cleveland doesn’t win the weakened East and their tax bill is high with their “core 4,” they might say we will trade Mobley for Giannis.

Toronto might say we are going nowhere with our current group, we’ll offer you Scottie Barnes + for the chance Giannis stays. Now, who knows if Milwaukee prefers Barnes + to a Towns/Anunoby offer, but my point remains. The same thing played out with Damian Lillard. Either the Knicks present an acceptable deal to Milwaukee, or the Bucks will find one elsewhere.

The reason that doesn’t hold water is clubs aren’t sacrificing young players and big Giannis level trade packages for a legit flight risk.

Once teams meet with Giannis and his people, they will know how much commitment Giannis will give them - if any. If we are talking next offseason, a leap of faith for 1 year of certainty won’t reward Bucks the folks you keep mentioning. DDR, Poeltl and a singular protected 1st was what that one-foot-in-LA superstar got. Sounds a lot like Towns/OG package.

[davidv2001]

That is the optimistic Bucks fan end of the outcome spectrum - well stated declaration of hope.

On the other end is taking what one can get with Knicks offer sitting in waiting (Towns/OG). With outside chance a win-now team can do a little better but it won’t be the Mobley/Banchero/Wagner/Castle/Sengun types of the world.

Most likely outcome is Bucks rode out the year with Giannis and with one contract year of control remaining - take what you can get is the play (see Knicks).

With let walk for nothing in 2027 an option to.

I completely disagree. All it takes is one team wanting to push all in to beat the Knicks offer of Towns and Anunoby. The Rockets would likely still offer Sengun, but with fewer picks, next offseason. If Cleveland doesn’t win the weakened East and their tax bill is high with their “core 4,” they might say we will trade Mobley for Giannis.

Toronto might say we are going nowhere with our current group, we’ll offer you Scottie Barnes + for the chance Giannis stays. Now, who knows if Milwaukee prefers Barnes + to a Towns/Anunoby offer, but my point remains. The same thing played out with Damian Lillard. Either the Knicks present an acceptable deal to Milwaukee, or the Bucks will find one elsewhere.

The reason that doesn’t hold water is clubs aren’t sacrificing young players and big Giannis level trade packages for a legit flight risk.

Once teams meet with Giannis and his people, they will know how much commitment Giannis will give them - if any. If we are talking next offseason, a leap of faith for 1 year of certainty won’t reward Bucks the folks you keep mentioning. DDR, Poeltl and a singular protected 1st was what that one-foot-in-LA superstar got. Sounds a lot like Towns/OG package.

Believe whatever you want, but nothing I said doesn’t hold water.

You do not know what teams will be willing to offer for Giannis any more than I do. Also, teams like the Rockets, Thunder and Spurs have oodles of picks they can offer with contracts simply to match salary, and take the risk on Giannis without sacrificing proven, young talent. Those picks are more enticing to a rebuilding small-market team than what the Knicks could offer.

[RHODEY]

Remember how Damian Lillard was Miami or bust? Where did he end up? Oh, that’s right, Milwaukee.

The Rockets would offer Sengun and picks for Giannis today if he was legitimately available, even with the risk he doesn’t extend. The Thunder are the class of the league, and they would want to pair Giannis with Durant to try and dethrone them. The Spurs also would make a strong offer, for similar reasons. Plus, Giannis and Wemby are both European players, so they may like the idea of pairing up. Orlando might be willing to put Wagner or Banchero on the table to elevate themselves. If Cleveland flames out again, they could change their tune about trading Mobley for Giannis.

The Bucks would take the best package of an established young player and picks, and that’s not Towns and Anunoby from the Knicks.

Rockets would have to throw in 30 million more on top of Sengun. The could do it if they got rid of their centers like Adams/ and Clint I think. But then who plays center? Also do they want to give up their future for the present? Especially if Giannis doesn't commit to them longterm and could still walk in 2027. Maybe.

If Giannis doesnt come off of his NY or the highway stance I think most teams will be hesitant to trade the farm. And no way does NY give both Kat and OG.

The Rockets could offer Sengun, Finney-Smith and Adams along with picks if they want to keep Reed Sheppard. They would do that deal now, at the trade deadline, or next offseason (but perhaps with fewer picks.) As for who plays center, Adams nor Capela are good fits next to Giannis, so it’s not a big deal if they involve one in the trade.

Regardless, the Bucks are going to take the best deal for them. Not the best deal the Knicks are willing to offer.

The Heat found that out in the Damian Lillard sweepstakes.

OK I guess we'll see how much Giannis really wants NY. Rocket don't have a good PG situation right now. Maybe they wait to go after Giannis , but then it becomes a one year rental if he stands firm for NY. The Heat may have found out with Dame , but so did the Bucks.

[Wolveswin]

I completely disagree. All it takes is one team wanting to push all in to beat the Knicks offer of Towns and Anunoby. The Rockets would likely still offer Sengun, but with fewer picks, next offseason. If Cleveland doesn’t win the weakened East and their tax bill is high with their “core 4,” they might say we will trade Mobley for Giannis.

Toronto might say we are going nowhere with our current group, we’ll offer you Scottie Barnes + for the chance Giannis stays. Now, who knows if Milwaukee prefers Barnes + to a Towns/Anunoby offer, but my point remains. The same thing played out with Damian Lillard. Either the Knicks present an acceptable deal to Milwaukee, or the Bucks will find one elsewhere.

The reason that doesn’t hold water is clubs aren’t sacrificing young players and big Giannis level trade packages for a legit flight risk.

Once teams meet with Giannis and his people, they will know how much commitment Giannis will give them - if any. If we are talking next offseason, a leap of faith for 1 year of certainty won’t reward Bucks the folks you keep mentioning. DDR, Poeltl and a singular protected 1st was what that one-foot-in-LA superstar got. Sounds a lot like Towns/OG package.

Believe whatever you want, but nothing I said doesn’t hold water.

You do not know what teams will be willing to offer for Giannis any more than I do. Also, teams like the Rockets, Thunder and Spurs have oodles of picks they can offer with contracts simply to match salary, and take the risk on Giannis without sacrificing proven, young talent. Those picks are more enticing to a rebuilding small-market team than what the Knicks could offer.

Maybe if we are talking this year - right now - for two full years of Giannis control, the offers will be what you are mentioning. Maybe. But that position got weaker via subject matter from the very thread you find yourself in. However…

Bucks don’t seem in a rush to trade Giannis. So, if we are talking next offseason - one year of control remaining - no GM is throwing around likes of Sengun or Mobley or Wagner types for Giannis one year control then deal with the fallout if he bolts. They 100% would need more commitment - from Giannis - a player rumored to want the big apple.

[davidv2001]

Rockets would have to throw in 30 million more on top of Sengun. The could do it if they got rid of their centers like Adams/ and Clint I think. But then who plays center? Also do they want to give up their future for the present? Especially if Giannis doesn't commit to them longterm and could still walk in 2027. Maybe.

If Giannis doesnt come off of his NY or the highway stance I think most teams will be hesitant to trade the farm. And no way does NY give both Kat and OG.

The Rockets could offer Sengun, Finney-Smith and Adams along with picks if they want to keep Reed Sheppard. They would do that deal now, at the trade deadline, or next offseason (but perhaps with fewer picks.) As for who plays center, Adams nor Capela are good fits next to Giannis, so it’s not a big deal if they involve one in the trade.

Regardless, the Bucks are going to take the best deal for them. Not the best deal the Knicks are willing to offer.

The Heat found that out in the Damian Lillard sweepstakes.

OK I guess we'll see how much Giannis really wants NY. Rocket don't have a good PG situation right now. Maybe they wait to go after Giannis , but then it becomes a one year rental if he stands firm for NY. The Heat may have found out with Dame , but so did the Bucks.

It doesn’t matter how much Giannis wants the Knicks. If the Bucks feel he will not sign another extension, they will shop him around the league and take the deal they like the best.

As for the Rockets point guard situation, their team identity is built around position less basketball, defense and rebounding. They can run their offense through Sengun, Durant can be a secondary facilitator, and both Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard have playmaking skills. If they were to trade Sengun for Giannis, Giannis does what Sengun does, only better, and they still have Durant and Thompson as secondary facilitators.

[Anderson Hunt]

I'm sure this will be an unpopular opinion, but if I'm the Bucks, I want to have a squad that can win after a Giannis trade.

Surely there are other deals around the league, but a deal around Anunoby and Bridges will give them a very solid, winning team.

[HMFFL]

I'm sure this will be an unpopular opinion, but if I'm the Bucks, I want to have a squad that can win after a Giannis trade.

Surely there are other deals around the league, but a deal around Anunoby and Bridges will give them a very solid, winning team.

Sounds like you want the Bucks to stay competitive and be a revolving door like most teams. Anunoby and Bridges won't make the Bucks winners.

They need to focus on draft picks and rebuilding.

Are you even a fan of the Bucks?

[jscott]

I'm sure this will be an unpopular opinion, but if I'm the Bucks, I want to have a squad that can win after a Giannis trade.

Surely there are other deals around the league, but a deal around Anunoby and Bridges will give them a very solid, winning team.

…that’s not a winning squad.

[JayMKE]

I’d risk Giannis walking in FA, he’s not walking away from a supermax and we’re not taking a super poo poo platter

[Warriorguy]

Knicks are a marquee franchise that hasnt won a championship in over half a century

[Anderson Hunt]

I'm sure this will be an unpopular opinion, but if I'm the Bucks, I want to have a squad that can win after a Giannis trade.

Surely there are other deals around the league, but a deal around Anunoby and Bridges will give them a very solid, winning team.

Sounds like you want the Bucks to stay competitive and be a revolving door like most teams. Anunoby and Bridges won't make the Bucks winners.

They need to focus on draft picks and rebuilding.

Are you even a fan of the Bucks?

Turner, Anunoby and Bridges are three of the very best 3&D players in the league.

All three are super-easy to build around. They would only need a high volume scoring lead guard, of which there are plenty in league.

With a front line of Turner/Anunoby/Bridges, the Bucks are one high-scoring lead guard away from being a 4/5 seed in the East.

[Anderson Hunt]

I'm sure this will be an unpopular opinion, but if I'm the Bucks, I want to have a squad that can win after a Giannis trade.

Surely there are other deals around the league, but a deal around Anunoby and Bridges will give them a very solid, winning team.

…that’s not a winning squad.

If you mean championship, you're right. If you mean mid-level playoff team, you're wrong.

[Packbuckman]

Giannis is not getting traded and he never said the Knicks or no other team that **** was made up by Shams the clown ass douche bag. Giannis tonite was going crazy watching his brother play very well with alley op dunk and a crazy reverse layup in a win with out him playing. I love this young bucks team thats way more athletic this yr going to surprise a lot of people.