Giannis Antetokounmpo might have to accept bad news as Knicks trade push gets complicated

The Knicks, always on the hunt for a star, figure to be involved in the race to lure the Greek Freak out of Milwaukee. But ESPN's Bobby Marks has cast doubt on whether New York would be comfortable with the cost as the Knicks sit four wins from a first NBA Finals appearance this century.

"There will certainly be a temptation to chase Giannis again, especially if the Knicks lose in consecutive conference finals," Marks wrote. "But with few first-round picks to trade, New York all but certainly would need to part ways with half its starting lineup."

To stay below the second tax apron, the Knicks would need to ship out OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart or some combination of the three.

New York has little in the way of draft capital after the Knicks parted with five first-round picks to acquire Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets. Bridges also signed a contract extension last August through the 2029-30 season.

Though that wouldn't be an impediment to a Bucks team that wants to avoid a lengthy rebuild, the Knicks are so close to breaking through that they can taste it. The situation has changed relative to last summer.

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