The New York Knicks are reportedly preparing an aggressive trade plan to acquire Jrue Holiday from the Portland Trail Blazers as part of their effort to secure Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to NBA insider Marc Stein. An experienced league executive explained this strategy is designed to entice Antetokounmpo, who may seek a trade from the Milwaukee Bucks, to prefer joining New York.
Building Bonds to Attract a Superstar
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday have a close relationship dating back to their three seasons together on the Bucks, highlighted by their 2021 NBA Championship win over the Phoenix Suns. The executive remarked on this connection:
“Giannis loves Jrue,” the NBA executive said. “This is a brilliant idea by the Knicks. Not only does Jrue help them defensively, but he’s also one of Giannis’ closest teammates and friends. This is all a ploy to get Giannis to request a trade to the Knicks, and I think it might work.”
Previous Trade Talks and Current Trade Landscape
Discussions between the Bucks and Knicks regarding a potential trade for Antetokounmpo took place before this season but failed to yield an agreement. Sources suggest that if Giannis decides to request a trade, New York is his favored destination. Although the two-time MVP told Sam Amick of The Athletic he would never request a trade, insiders believe Milwaukee’s leadership is beginning to consider that a separation might be mutually beneficial, especially given the Bucks’ current status outside immediate championship contention.
Complex Trade Logistics Involving Key Players
Giannis is currently sidelined for four to six weeks with a right calf injury. With the February 5 trade deadline approaching, the Knicks’ plan appears to be contingent on first securing Holiday. The sources indicate that a possible swap could send Mikal Bridges to Portland, while Karl-Anthony Towns might move to Milwaukee, helping to balance salaries and team needs. Giannis is earning $54.1 million this season, with Holiday on a $32.4 million contract.
Implications for the Knicks and NBA Landscape
This multi-layered strategy signals New York’s determination to strengthen its roster by leveraging personal ties to attract a player of Antetokounmpo’s caliber. Successfully acquiring both Holiday and Giannis could transform the Knicks into a championship contender. With the trade deadline looming, fans and analysts alike remain anxious and curious to see if this plan unfolds as intended, potentially reshaping the future for the Knicks and the league.
