It’s no secret that the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors are set to battle for the Milwaukee Bucks’ 31-year-old superstar forward this summer.
Both franchises could use the 10-time All-Star’s services, considering they’re likely another superstar away from making significant noise in the Western Conference. According to WFan’s Boomer Esiason, though, the New York Knicks could screw the Lakers and Warriors by stealing their ideal offseason trade target this summer.
“I’m telling you right now, Giannis (Antetokounmpo) is gonna be here next year,” Esiason said last Wednesday. “He’s gonna be here. Since he didn’t get traded and they’re going to wait until the offseason to move him because they get better assets that way, and the Knicks would have more assets to trade.
“He’s getting traded to New York, Karl-Anthony Towns is getting shipped out of here.” With Antetokounmpo previously expressing interest in joining Jalen Brunson on the Knicks, Esiason’s prediction could be spot on this offseason. Of course, it’ll all depend on how New York finishes the 2025-26 campaign.
If the Knicks hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy for the first time since 1973, there will be less of an incentive for the franchise to go all-out for the future Hall of Fame forward. If New York underachieves, the organization could attempt to make a drastic offseason move involving Antetokounmpo to ensure they are the title favorites in 2026-27. Perhaps a disappointing postseason could be a blessing in disguise for the Knicks this summer.
