Giannis Antetokounmpo reportedly isn't the only member of the 2021 Milwaukee Bucks the New York Knicks would love to acquire. Per NBA insider Marc Stein (subscription required), New York has been exploring ways to acquire Jrue Holiday from the Portland Trail Blazers. While Holiday is a nice player on his own, the Knicks likely think that could make them a more attractive destination for Giannis.
Knicks could make themselves all the more desirable for Giannis
The relationship between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday is well-documented. On the court, they were one of the NBA's most formidable two-way duos, and they won a championship in their first season together. Off the court, they've forged a bond that will last a lifetime. One would think Giannis would relish the opportunity to join forces with him once again.
ESPN reported last year that the Knicks were the only team Giannis wanted to play for if he were to leave Milwaukee. If they were to get his former running mate, one would think that might increase. Perhaps to the point where Giannis even starts applying pressure to the Bucks to make the move, something that reportedly hasn't happened just yet.
The overlooked question in this regard is, where do the Knicks think they are getting the assets to pull off trades for Antetokounmpo AND Holiday? They have one of the least desirable Giannis packages in the NBA as is. Are they going to pull a rabbit out of a hat? Yes, Stein reported previously that the Trail Blazers have had interest in Mikal Bridges, but he's likely not a game-changer here.
Milwaukee isn't trading away its franchise iron for pennis on the dollar--also known as a first round pick, seconds, and a handful of swaps. Sure, getting back some of their own draft picks from the Blazers could be desirable in a mult-team framework, but still, the Bucks need to get a franchise-altering haul here. Even with recent injuries, Giannis is one of the best in the world.
With their current asset collection, New York's interest in Giannis feels more like wishful thinking. Still, IF the Knicks were to somehow pull it off, they'd have a nice trio of players ready to compete for a championship in Antetokounmpo, Holiday, and Jalen Brunson. That's obviously a desirable thought that could become reality over the next week if every involved party is serious.
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