Knicks ‘in the mix’ to trade for $175 million Bucks superstar, new report says | Sporting News

Did the New York Knicks acquire Karl-Anthony Towns just to trade him for an even more dominant NBA superstar?

It sounds like a crazy thing to say, but that exact rumor is circulating the league airwaves after ESPN’s Marc Stein released a shocking report on Sunday, as revealed by Bleacher Report’s Andrew Peters.

“The New York Knicks are reportedly in the mix as a potential suitor for Giannis Antetokounmpo,” Peters said.

“Per NBA insider Marc Stein, New York was seen as a “down-the-road trade suitor” for the Milwaukee Bucks star, though Stein noted that was before the Knicks acquired Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves.”

“Since the trade, however, “more than one rival team” has “wondered aloud” whether the Knicks made the trade for Towns to later use him in a deal for Antetokounmpo, according to Stein.”

“After the Bucks won a championship in 2021, trading Antetokounmpo seemed like a laughable scenario. Three years later, it could be the best move for both sides.”

“Though the 28-year-old Towns can make New York a major threat in the East, the Knicks would likely have no reservations about trading him if it meant bringing in a player like Antetokounmpo.”

With things turning south in Milwaukee, the Knicks are likely monitoring the situation, if only to make sure that the Miami Heat don’t end up with Giannis.

Wherever Antetokounmpo lands — if he leaves Milwaukee at all — will cause a momentous shift of power in the NBA, especially since Giannis wouldn’t leave unless it was for a contender.

More NBA: Warriors linked to Heat, Bucks superstars to pair with Stephen Curry