Knicks trade proposal wouldn’t land Giannis Antetokounmpo, but it would grab another superstar and future Hall of Famer

The New York Knicks are currently tied at 1-1 with the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. In typical New York fan fashion, some are already starting to panic about losing. The reality here is that the Knicks are the better team, and if they don't win, we will probably see major changes. 

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, but the most likely outcome, or the hope at least, would be going out to get Giannis Antetokounmpo. It remains uncertain if the Milwaukee Bucks want to move on from him, but it's at least something the Knicks will attempt to do, if I had to guess.

If that plan doesn't work, the Knicks could look a few different ways, and in a recent trade proposal, they do exactly that with another veteran star, though he isn't as good as Antetokounmpo.

“New York Knicks Receive: Kawhi Leonard

Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, Pacome Dadiet, 2032 first-round pick

“A Brunson-Towns-Leonard core would give the Knicks far more half-court shot creation than they have now, and OG Anunoby would still be there to keep the defensive wing structure intact. My read is simple: if the Knicks ever decide to turn Bridges into a bigger playoff ceiling, this is the version that actually makes sense on the numbers,” Fran Leiva wrote.

Somebody like Leonard would be very interesting in New York for many reasons. If we're going based on play alone, he's still among the elite of the elite. The injury history is certainly something to be mindful of, and the Knicks and every other team around the NBA understand that. However, it's also tough to say that Leonard would fit in perfectly in New York. He's someone who likes to keep to himself, and the New York media typically doesn't allow for that. He's playing in Los Angeles now, but it's just a different beast.

Regardless, I think this could work out, as he's a very good player and would be welcomed by most of the fan base.

More NBA news:

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• Warriors’ Steve Kerr breaks silence on future of Kristaps Porzingis in Golden State
• Knicks trade idea brings in a non-Giannis Antetokounmpo star, but it’d cost them OG Anunoby