‘Simple’ Knicks Trade Idea Adds Giannis Antetokounmpo
The NBA’s new CBA has made it very complex for luxury-tax teams, such as the New York Knicks, to pull off trades for players earning in excess of $50 million per season. As such, title-contender teams may have to do a lot of maneuvering to land Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks superstar who is expected to be available on the market ahead of next year’s trade deadline or the offseason.
The Knicks already have a player on their roster earning more than $50 million per season — Karl-Anthony Towns, who has three years and $171 million left on his contract. Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey explained how the Knicks can execute a “simple” trade for Antetokounmpo, without the need for too many moving parts.
Knicks would receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Bucks would receive: Karl-Anthony Towns, Pacome Dadiet, three first-round pick swaps (2028, 2030, 2032) and seven second-round picks
A ‘Simple’ Knicks Trade
Bayley argued that New York may already have the leverage, citing reports that Antetokounmpo expressed interest in playing in the Big Apple this offseason, which led to exploratory trade talks between the Bucks and the Knicks.
“It’s really only a possibility if Giannis forcefully, and maybe even publicly, tells Milwaukee that he specifically wants this destination,” wrote Bayley.
“That play might take a bit of leverage away from the Bucks and allow New York’s best offer, which isn’t nearly as good as what several other teams could put on the table, to win the day.
“If it did, the Knicks would instantly become the favorite to win the East, while the Bucks might be able to redirect KAT in a future, rebuild-focused trade before his contract expires.”
Giannis to Reevaluate Priorities
“As for Towns, he’s a solid potential building block for the next era of Bucks basketball, although he’s far from a perfect fit with Myles Turner,” added Bayley.
In the lead up to the 2025-26 season, Giannis was asked about the reports of the Knicks and Bucks engaging in trade talks over the offseason.
“First of all, I haven’t read that story,” Antetokounmpo said following Wednesday’s practice. “When the season starts, I try to get off social media and focus on my craft and the team. But yeah, I’ve said this many times: I want to be in a situation where I can win — and right now, I’m here. I believe in this team. I believe in my teammates. I’m here to lead this team to wherever we can go. It’s definitely going to be hard, but I’m here. So all the other extra stuff does not matter.”
The Greek superstar made it clear that he plans to play out the 2025-26 season before deciding on his next move, while also candidly admitting that the Bucks, who own the 17th-shortest odds to win the NBA title, don’t give him a chance to win.
“I think I’ve communicated with my teammates and the people I respect that the moment I step on this court or in this facility, the rest does not matter,” he said. “I’m locked into whatever I have in front of me. Now, if in six, seven months I change my mind, I think that’s human too. You’re allowed to make any decision you want. But I’m locked in — to this team, to these guys, to this coaching staff, and to myself.”
Warriors’ Steph Curry Delivers Verdict on Al Horford Following Debut
Al Horford made his debut for the Golden State Warriors in their 111-103 preseason win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, Oct. 5. The veteran big man showcased a wide range of skills, including his passing, defensive versatility and floor-spacing threat.
When speaking to the media after the game, Stephen Curry detailed how Horford improves the Warriors‘ roster.
“Obviously, a high-IQ, experienced, championship-caliber player that can really fit with any lineup out there,” Curry said. “He gives us space; he gives us presence on the defensive end. You saw the pass he made to me at the corner, give-and-go. So it’s just kind of unspoken chemistry that will continue to get better. But he is kind of multi-dimensional as a five-man, and excited to see what that looks like for me, for Jimmy, JK, Draymond. And again, any lineup you can throw him out there at the five. He kind of lifts the group.”
Steph Curry specifically mentioned this give-and-go with Al Horford as "unspoken chemistry that'll continue to get better."
Here's the clip and Curry's full soundbite on the Horford addition postgame tonight pic.twitter.com/dmrstiwNPZ
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 6, 2025
Horford signed a two-year deal with the Warriors on September 28. He was a core piece of the Boston Celtics team that won the NBA championship in 2024, and the roster that lost to Golden State in 2022. His presence will resolve a long-standing issue at the center position for Steve Kerr’s team.
Steve Kerr Pleased With Horford’s Addition
During his own post-game news conference, Steve Kerr shared his thoughts on how Horford improves Golden State’s roster.
“I mean, just to see the size, his shooting ability, passing ability, just the flow of the game. Yeah, I think what an addition he is. And as I said before the game, we can play it with anybody. He played it with Quentin Post in the last, I think, four minutes of the second quarter. We went on a huge run. So he just fits any lineup, makes every lineup better. We’re lucky to have him.”
“Fun just to see the size. The shooting ability. The passing ability. The flow of the game. What an addition he is.”
Steve Kerr on Al Horford pic.twitter.com/jUtTufXgIA
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) October 6, 2025
Horford’s versatility will ensure that he’s a key piece of Golden State’s roster this season. He can thrive as a center or power forward, can guard multiple positions on the floor and is underrated as an offensive hub in five-out offenses. And, of course, his floor spacing should help open up the floor for Curry, Jimmy Butler and Jonathan Kuminga.
Moses Moody Doubles Down on Horford Praise
Curry and Kerr weren’t the only ones to praise Horford during their post-game news conferences. Moses Moody, who led the Warriors in scoring with 19 points on 7-of-9 shooting, praised the professionalism of the team’s latest veteran addition.
“I’ve been playing with him all week, but I like what he does to the offense, adding that three-point perk from that position and being able to pop. And then the stuff he does,” Moody said. “He’s a professional. That dude’s been in the league most of my life, so he has that feel; he has that presence on the floor, so it’s good to just be out there with him.”
Warriors’ Moses Moody on playing with Al Horford in preseason tonight:
“Professionally, that dude’s been in the league most of my life. He has that feel, he has the presence out there on the court so it felt good to play with him. pic.twitter.com/rNW419ulDE
— Kenzo Fukuda (@kenzofuku) October 6, 2025
Horford is still adapting to his new surroundings. He’s learning the Warriors‘ style of play and how to best fit with his teammates. As such, his performances will only improve as the season progresses.
However, Golden State, the fanbase and everyone on the roster can already see how valuable he’s going to be, and that should be exciting considering what the Warriors are aiming to achieve this season.
