The New York Knicks want Giannis Antetokounmpo, but they have far from the most enticing package to offer the Milwaukee Bucks. To even get the wheels turning, the Knicks need Mikal Bridges to get his trade value up in the NBA Playoffs, as he would certainly be in the package. Yet, he has yet to have his moment, putting on a largely mediocre postseason showing.
Bridges isn't turning heads this postseason
The wing, a player the Knicks sacrificed a significant chunk of their future for, hasn't been the playoff hero they initially thought he could be. In New York's first round series, he averaged a mere 10 points, two rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. That's the player who is supposed to help get a Giannis deal over the finish line? Yeah, no.
To his credit, Bridges did have a nice closeout Game 6, pouring in 24 points, five rebounds, and three assists against the Atlanta Hawks. If he played like that all the time, this wouldn't be a conversation at all. However, that was one game that overshadowed outings of seven, eight, and even zero points in this series alone.
Bridges will have more opportunities to prove himself, as the Knicks are set to kick off their second round series with the Philadelphia 76ers soon. However, given that he had a down year overall in the regular season, it's not like this cold playoff start is completely out of left field. He would have to kick things into high gear very quickly to change the narrative surrounding his regression this season.
Bucks could get better Giannis offers this summer
It's still not a guarantee that the Knicks will even make Giannis Antetokounmpo available this summer. However, if they do, New York won't have the best package. No matter how much mutual interest the two may or may not have in one another, New York's potential offer to the Bucks, which would revolve around Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, is far from the most captivating.
After being eliminated from the NBA Playoffs, one would think the Orlando Magic could throw Paolo Banchero on the table. If the Boston Celtics feel like they need to take a swing after blowing their first 3-1 lead, Jaylen Brown could be a huge pickup. The Portland Trail Blazers have a combination of draft picks and young players that could be enticing.
Again, Giannis might not even be on the move this summer, but there will be better offers out there than what New York is currently putting together.
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