The Knicks still lurk in the background as potential players in any Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes this summer. The cleanest exchange would involve sending center Karl-Anthony Towns to the Milwaukee Bucks. His contract is almost a perfect match for Giannis'. Other packages would gut the Knicks' roster. It's also difficult to envision both big men coexisting.
Of course, Bucks fans don't want to see that deal go down. Actually, they might have a stronger ally in Towns than in Giannis himself (who reportedly eyed the Knicks with interest last August).
Quoting a source, ESPN's Vincent Goodwill illuminated the center's stance on his Knicks future amid ever-present rumors and pressing questions over his fit with the team.
"He so badly wants things to work here," the source said. "He wants to be a Knick for life."
For the Knicks to reciprocate that feeling definitively, other things will have to happen. Down 2-1 to Atlanta in the first round, the entire squad is strained under immense pressure. A series loss could be the breaking point.Â
But if Towns can fuel a deep postseason run and reaffirm his value to the roster, the Knicks may be less eager to break up the current nucleus for Giannis. For Bucks fans, seeing them exit the sweepstakes is a scenario worth rooting for whether Antetokounmpo sticks around or not.Â
Knicks would be undesirable Bucks trade partnerÂ
Having one less suboptimal suitor to worry about, particularly an Eastern Conference foe, would be a plus no matter what. If Giannis changes his mind again, he can't force his way to Manhattan while the Knicks aren't involved in discussions.Â
There's more to it than that, though. The Knicks don't have the resources to offer the Bucks a desirable trade haul. Not only are they short on draft picks, they lack the blue-chip prospects that Milwaukee would desire as the centerpiece of the incoming assets.Â
Recruiting another team could grease the wheels, but a third party isn't offering up a blue-chipper in any case. Seeing the Knicks bow out would be a relief.Â
Whether they pursue Antetokounmpo in earnest this summer likely depends on two things: their success in the playoffs and Towns' role in creating that success or, on the flip side, bitter failure.Â
Questions about his fit are real. It's difficult to field a title contender led by two poor defenders in Towns and point guard Jalen Brunson. The center is supposed to anchor the defense, not bring it down. The Knicks are justified in wondering whether the present group can go the distance. Fresh off a disappointing postseason, replacing Towns with Giannis' two-way dominance would make only too much sense.
Bucks have every reason to hope Towns gets his wish
In 2025-26, Towns posted his lowest season scoring average, 20.1 points per game, since his rookie year. His shot attempts dipped to a career low. He hasn't had the same role in Mike Brown's new offense.
Still, if Towns feels strongly about his future in New York, one would think the organization would attempt to work things out. This isn't a disgruntled, unhappy diva who wants out. He wants in, for life. That's a rare kind of loyalty in today's game of mercenary megastars. He just has to give the Knicks a reason to cooperate.Â
Thus far in the playoffs, Towns is averaging 21.3 points, 11 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks while shooting 57 percent from the field. He has, however, been wildly up and down, fluctuating between woeful and awesome on a quarter-to-quarter basis.Â
The Knicks would like to see more consistency before they buckle down on Towns, who has one year plus a player option remaining on his contract. Regardless of his individual performance, a first-round exit could initiate seismic roster changes. Antetokounmpo's name would surge to the top of the Knicks' desperate list.Â
Bucks fans should hope that isn't the case. Towns securing his future in New York is their best bet to avoid the hassle of fretting over the Knicks in any capacity this summer. So, let's go KAT?
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