Ranking 3 superstar trade targets by urgency Knicks should have
![NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 23: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on March 23, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Cavaliers won 116-114. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 23: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on March 23, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Cavaliers won 116-114. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/381bc5cdfbe845959e8d77b483c22eacd05068f6be2e3bd7ac50e97537071fa6.jpg)
Severe: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Is there a Knicks fan out there who doesn’t have Giannis Antetokounmpo at the top of their trade list? He’ll turn 29 in December, and he’s already won two regular season MVP titles and one NBA Finals MVP. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Antetokounmpo has applied pressure to the Bucks this summer, making it clear that he won’t sign an extension if the team can’t contend. His comments have piqued the interest of the other 29 teams in the league, and it’d be a no-brainer move for the Knicks to go all-in on the superstar.
His playoff resume speaks volumes, as he’s averaged 26.6 points and 12 rebounds in 79 games. One of New York’s current stars, Julius Randle, has had issues with performing in the postseason, although this past season, he was dealing with an ankle injury that required surgery in the offseason.
When a team gives up as much as it’d take to get Antetokounmpo, the expectation is a championship. He’s delivered one once before and could win a few more before he retires.
SNY’s Ian Begley wrote that he guesses New York “will make moves with Giannis in mind.” Begley added that, like every other team, the Knicks will monitor the situation closely. If Antetokounmpo were made available, the news would rattle the league from top to bottom.
Even New York’s most prominent critics wouldn’t have anything to say if the Knicks hit the jackpot with a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade. Talk about patience paying off.