Knicks ‘Very Unlikely’ To Be Able To Piece Together Assets For Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo

A report from Marc Stein of The Stein Line linking the Knicks to Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has undoubtedly raised some eyebrows. But while the Knicks are listed among four teams with eyes on the Greek Freak, don’t count on this one coming together anytime soon.

New York may want in on the Giannis sweepstakes, but after unloading a haul for Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, they’re not exactly flush with assets to make a serious push. A source even put it bluntly — it’s “very unlikely” the Knicks can piece together an offer that would satisfy Milwaukee.

But the Knicks aren’t just throwing in the towel. According to Stein, there’s some thought around the league that New York’s acquisition of Towns wasn’t just about immediate help — it was about positioning themselves with a high-level player to eventually dangle in an Antetokounmpo trade scenario. This move even made them bend on including Donte DiVincenzo in trade talks, something they were reluctant to do.

Meanwhile, Milwaukee has its own problems. The Bucks are off to a surprising 1-5 start, and after consecutive first-round exits, there’s a bit of tension simmering. The Damian Lillard trade was supposed to be a game-changer, but it hasn’t delivered just yet.

Now Atetokounmpo, dealing with a nagging right adductor strain, is questionable for Monday’s road game against the Cavaliers.

If things continue on this trend, it’s hard to ignore the possibility that the Bucks will be forced to make some big decisions. And you can bet the Knicks, like several others, will be ready to make their pitch — no matter how long the odds.