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Knicks Pursue Giannis: What's the Package?

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, February 22nd 2026 at 8:56 GMT by The New York Times
      Locales: UNITED STATES, GREECE

Beyond Barrett and Quickley: What Else Could the Knicks Offer?

The initial package of Barrett and Quickley is a solid starting point. Barrett, the former Duke standout and number three overall pick in 2019, represents potential. He's demonstrated flashes of brilliance, showcasing a versatile skillset on both ends of the court. Quickley, a dynamic scoring guard, provides instant offense off the bench and has proven to be a reliable contributor. However, these players alone may not be enough to convince Milwaukee, particularly if other teams enter the bidding.

The Knicks may need to consider adding further assets. Quentin Grimes, a promising three-and-D player, could increase the appeal of the package. Furthermore, the Knicks hold a substantial collection of draft picks, acquired through previous trades, which provide flexibility. However, the Bucks may prioritize pick swaps, allowing them to move up in future drafts and secure potentially higher-value prospects. The Knicks also have salary cap considerations; matching Giannis's considerable salary will require shrewd maneuvering, potentially involving a third team to facilitate the deal.

Milwaukee's Perspective: Rebuilding with Purpose

The Bucks are at a crossroads. While still competitive, the window for their current core--built around Giannis, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday--is closing. Injuries have taken a toll, and maintaining championship contention requires significant financial commitments. Trading Giannis, while a difficult decision, could allow them to shed salary, accumulate assets, and embark on a rebuild centered around promising young players.

Their priority isn't necessarily finding a player of equal caliber to Giannis - that's largely impossible. Instead, they'll be looking for a combination of promising prospects with high ceilings and draft capital that can be used to accelerate their rebuilding process. They may also target players who fit a specific timeline, allowing them to compete again within a reasonable timeframe. Reports indicate they are particularly interested in receiving players who can contribute defensively and on the perimeter, areas where the Knicks have some depth.

The Salary Cap Maze and Potential Third Teams

Navigating the NBA's complex salary cap rules is a major hurdle. Giannis is set to earn a substantial salary over the next few seasons, and the Knicks would need to create enough cap space to absorb his contract. This could involve packaging additional players or utilizing trade exceptions. A third team could emerge as a facilitator, taking on salary or players that the Knicks or Bucks don't want, in exchange for draft compensation or other assets. This adds another layer of complexity to the negotiations.

The Ripple Effect Across the NBA

Should the Knicks successfully acquire Giannis, the Eastern Conference landscape would be drastically altered. The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers, currently the frontrunners, would immediately face a formidable new challenger. The Knicks, with Giannis leading the charge, would instantly become championship favorites. This would also create a domino effect, potentially prompting other teams to make significant moves to stay competitive. For the Bucks, it would signal a full-scale rebuild, potentially opening up opportunities for other teams in the Eastern Conference to rise.

The negotiations are ongoing, and the outcome remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear: the Knicks are serious about their pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo, and they are willing to pay a hefty price to bring the superstar to Madison Square Garden. The coming weeks promise to be filled with intense negotiations and speculation as the NBA world awaits a potential blockbuster trade that could reshape the league for years to come.