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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – MARCH 02: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks works out before the game against the Boston Celtics at Fiserv Forum on March 02, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
The New York Knicks have been one of the NBA’s most aggressive teams in recent memory when it comes to trading away assets. Between surrendering six first-round picks for Mikal Bridges and loading up on talent, New York has made clear that winning now is the priority.
Now, one of the sport’s most prominent voices is demanding the Knicks take that mentality one step further and go all in for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“Let me tell you who you give up for Giannis — everybody, but Jaylen Brunson. I don’t give a damn if it’s the dance team, the cheerleaders, the concession workers,” Stephen A Smith said.
He was very clear in expressing his view on the Knicks’ potential response to a Giannis trade. Smith continued, indicating that the Knicks are known to give up assets. As evidence, he referred to their 6 first-round picks exchanged for Mikal Bridges, and reasoned that New York has no grounds to cry over the price to get a generational talent.
“Other than Brunson, everybody is available. What do you want? Do you want me to pay their salaries too?” Smith said. “We got to stop acting like this is some ordinary dude. The brother is 6’11 and will dunk on your parents if you let him.”
Smith also tempered his enthusiasm with a reality check for this current Knicks squad, warning that if New York cannot at least match last year’s postseason performance with the same roster, then all bets are off and the front office must act decisively.
What the Latest Reports Say for the Knicks
The timing of Smith’s demand could not be more relevant. Per ESPN’s Shams Charania, Giannis told the Bucks before the 2025-26 season that he was ready to move on, and if Milwaukee was going to trade him, the New York Knicks were the only team he would accept.
Realistically, the Knicks sit in a complicated but promising position. The trade market for Giannis has softened significantly, with NBA executives noting the Bucks missed their window to command peak value.
A package built around Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and a couple of first-round pick swaps without touching Karl-Anthony Towns could be enough to get a deal done.
The Knicks’ biggest advantage remains Giannis himself, having already identified New York as his preferred destination . If Leon Rose moves decisively this summer, the window is open.
The urgency here cannot be overstated. The Knicks are running the same core for a second straight season, and the results this year have been inconsistent at best. Mike Brown’s defensive genius has kept them competitive, but the offensive ceiling with this group remains limited.
Adding Giannis alongside Jaylen Brunson would instantly make New York a legitimate NBA Finals contender. Every year the Knicks delay this conversation is a year Giannis older. The window to pair him with Brunson in his prime is not infinite, and the front office knows it.
Jayesh Pagar Jayesh Pagar is a writer at Heavy Sports, covering the New York Knicks and other NBA teams. He brings four years of experience across digital sports media, including NBA, WNBA, college basketball, and college football. He covered as the Knicks beat writer for ONSI and has written for PFSN, Sporting News, and ClutchPoints. More about Jayesh Pagar
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