Image Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

New York Knicks’ Dreams to Acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo Dim After Latest Reports

Would the Knicks be able to sign the Greek Freak?

Image Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

The New York Knicks seem to have their dreams to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo getting shattered after the latest developments. Notably, the Knicks finished the 2024-25 regular season with a 51-31 record, and third spot in the Eastern Conference standings. They continued their momentum in the postseason and reached the Conference Finals. However, just two steps away from the coveted title, they were knocked out by the Indiana Pacers, who made their first NBA Finals appearance in 25 years.

There were reports that the Knicks aimed to sign Antetokounmpo after the rumors of him wanting to leave the Bucks made headlines. However, according to a latest report by Jake Fischer, the Greek Freak is not highly likely to request a trade this off season. Fischer, in his report, said, “The common belief amongst league insiders that he will remain with the only franchise he’s ever played for.”

Notably, after getting knocked out of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Knicks fired their coach Tom Thibodeau after his five seasons. Notably, Thibodeau helped the Knicks reach the playoffs four times during his stay at the helm. After his firing, there were reports that they were aiming to hire one of the three coaches including Jason Kidd, Chris Finch and Ime Udoka. Moreover, the reports suggested that the front office wanted to make a stronger duo by signing Antetokounmpo and Kidd.

Shaquille O’ Neal Advises Giannis Antetokounmpo to Not Join LA Lakers

When the trade rumors of the Bucks’ star were still hot, Shaquille O’Neal advised him to think twice before joining the Los Angeles Lakers. Speaking on ‘Good Will Podcast’, the four-time NBA Champion opined that the market size doesn’t matter, and it is the social media that carries the real power. Shaq said, “I would tell him that, probably, a bigger market doesn’t matter. Social media is the market now. Giannis has made a name for himself on social media.”

He added, “If you go to L.A., 50% of your contract goes to taxes, more pressure and more stress. Being that he’s in control of that ship, he should go upstairs and be like ‘I want to see all the free agents, I want phone numbers and I want to talk to them.’ He should bring people to him.”

While the franchise has been considered a desired destination for free agents, being a Laker is not for everyone. Moreover, the fact that they are a highly popular franchise as well as the 17-time champions, playing in Gold and Purple certainly comes with multiple distractions and added pressure.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

New York Knicks

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.