Knicks Rumors: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Guerschon Yabusele, Keon Ellis

The Knicks remain interested in Giannis Antetokounmpo, but landing him would be an uphill climb.

Stefan Bondy of the New York Post reports Milwaukee is seeking blue-chip young talent and multiple first-round picks in any Giannis deal, a price New York is currently not well positioned to meet compared to teams that control more of their future draft capital.

Unless Antetokounmpo specifically pushes for New York, the Knicks are considered a long shot. And even then, Milwaukee would not be obligated to honor a preferred destination.

Bondy notes New York’s chances could improve in the offseason, when the team will control two first-round picks.

At the moment, the Knicks only hold a top-eight-protected 2026 first from Washington that is likely to convert into second-rounders.

Yabusele on block

The Knicks continue to shop Guerschon Yabusele and have spoken to multiple teams about potential trade scenarios, per Bondy.

Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado remains on New York’s radar, with New Orleans big man Yves Missi also drawing interest. Kings guard Keon Ellis is another player with fans inside the Knicks organization, according to a source.

Yabusele holds a $5.8 million player option for next season and recently addressed his long-term outlook.

“I never close my door on anything,” Yabusele told Mundo Deportivo when asked about a possible EuroLeague return. “Obviously it was so difficult to make it back to the NBA that I’m focused on staying in the NBA. But we will see what opportunities present themselves.”

Towns and tension

The Knicks explored an Antetokounmpo framework with Milwaukee last offseason, but those talks stalled. One rumored structure included Karl-Anthony Towns as outgoing salary, a concept that did not excite some around the league.

“I don’t think there is a trade market for KAT,” one NBA executive told Bondy. “Not that he is a bad player, but he’s not a winning player. It’s too much money to spend on him.”

Sources told Sam Amick of The Athletic that the trade discussions involving Towns created hard feelings between him and the Knicks front office that remain unresolved.

Towns, for his part, has brushed off the noise.

“I feel like I’ve been in trade rumors for a year damn near,” he said. “That don’t matter to me. I focus on the job at hand, which is trying to get wins every single night.”