The New York Knicks are reportedly bowing out of the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade sweepstakes, spelling good news for the Boston Celtics and other teams expected to pursue a deal for the two-time MVP.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Knicks have no interest in a Giannis trade even if they fall short of beating the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals, and are expected to return with the same core group of players in the 2026-2027 season.
“They’re in the NBA Finals, and I think we can all safely say the Knicks are not going to be one of the teams Giannis will be on next season,” Charania told the “Cousins” podcast with Tracy McGrady on Tuesday.
“There are going to be other destinations for that.”
“The Knicks have so much confidence in what they’re building, and we’re seeing that right now,” added the NBA insider.
Giannis ‘Intrigued’ by Boston
The Celtics were never considered as a legitimate Giannis trade suitor when the Milwaukee Bucks fielded offers for the 2021 NBA Finals MVP at the Feb. trade deadline. At the time, teams like the Knicks, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors were considered the most aggressive suitors. However, Boston’s first-round playoff exit has seemingly fueled the Giannis to Celtics buzz.
According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Eric Nehm, Antetokounmpo remains “intrigued” with the idea of linking up with Jayson Tatum.
“And then there’s the question of how Antetokounmpo sees the Celtics situation,” wrote The Athletic on Wednesday.
“That might matter more than anything else. While league sources have long maintained that he’s interested in joining the Heat, there are also indications that he’s very intrigued with the prospect of joining a Celtics team that, by any objective measure, is deeper and more dynamic than Miami’s and could thus remain more competitive after a blockbuster deal. And again, Antetokounmpo’s focus on getting back to title contention should not be overlooked.”
Will Celtics Trade Jaylen Brown?
Although they technically have the pieces to explore a Giannis trade without giving up Jaylen Brown or Jayson Tatum, it’s unlikely they can pull off such a heist. Per multiple league insiders, the Celtics will have to move Brown, who finished sixth in the MVP voting this season, to have a realistic shot of landing the “Greek Freak” this summer.
“If the Celtics were willing to offer Brown in a Giannis trade, it would be hard for the Bucks to find a more accomplished player,” wrote The Athletic. “Brown is a five-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA player and the 2024 NBA Finals MVP, but he is also just two years younger than Antetokounmpo.
“So while there is no doubting the ability of Boston’s All-NBA forward coming off a career year, he might not fit their timeline or, as rival executives have indicated, their desire to land that top-tier young player in this deal.
“Still, a multi-team deal in which Brown headed elsewhere could serve them very well in terms of other players and assets. After all, he’s a tremendous player who’s still in the middle of his prime.”
Celtics Get Good News on Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade