The New York Knicks responded after their worst stretch of the season, winning three straight games. This includes their largest win in franchise history over the Brooklyn Nets, 120-66. Yes, New York faced non-playoff opponents; it is great for the mental to get back on track against teams they are supposed to beat.
With that in mind, the trade deadline is just one week away. The biggest star on the market is Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo. It is no surprise to hear his name in the rumor mill; it is just a matter of when the trade will occurs.
The asking price for the 31-year-old consists of a “blue-chip young talent and/or a surplus of draft picks,” per Shams Charania.
New York doesn’t necessarily have a “blue-chip” talent, butyet it has three key pieces that could fit the bill:. Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges and Miles McBride.
The one Knock on the Knicks for trades is that they have only one unprotected first-round pick over the next four years. Thanks to the Bridges trade, New York sent five unprotected first-round picks to Brooklyn.
Other teams that can make the splash for Antetokounmpo?
Golden State Warriors:
The pairing of Stephen Curry and Antetokounmpo is something out of a video game. This duo would be unstoppable on both ends of the floor. Golden State has more draft capital than New York, as well as an expiring contract in Jonathan Kuminga. The Warriors have benched Kuminga for the majority of this season, with hopes of trading away the 23-year-old. Jimmy Butler is also a trade piece, even though he just tore his ACL on Jan. 19.
Miami Heat:
Antetokounmpo to South Beach sounds more realistic, as we progress to the trade deadline. Fans have been throwing Tyler Herro’s name in hypothetical trades for the two-time MVP. Kel’el Ware is also a young, growing star who would be appealing to the Bucks. Like the Knicks, Miami doesn’t have as much draft capital as the Warriors do.
If they can scrape a first-round pick or two before the deadline, they have a real shot at landing the 10-time all-star.
New York Mets:
As one season is in full swing, another is in its offseason dog days.
The New York Mets have been highly active during free agency, trading for outfielder Luis Robert Jr. and pitcher Freddy Peralta. Just those two moves alone would make you think they can win the division. Nope, they signed two-time all-star Bo Bichette, nabbing closer Devin Williams from the Bronx, Jorge Polanco from Seattle and Marcus Semien from the Rangers.
These moves make the Mets a true contender in the National League, and it makes you wonder if they can come close with Los Angeles. I can discuss my disapproval of the Dodgers at another time.
For the Yankees, they didn’t make any huge moves.
Resigning Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham are important, but it isn’t enough to get the Bronx Bombers over the hump. Running it back with the names they have isn’t a bad idea, but it’s not something I want them to do. Yes, they were banged up all last season. 2023 CY Young winner Gerrit Cole is due to make his return, along with Carlos Rodon and Oswaldo Cabrera. I expect the Yankees to make it far in the postseason, but not back to the World Series.