Kofi Inkoom
Following a heartbreaking Game 7 loss to the Indiana Pacers at MSG, which dashed their hopes of reaching the playoff finals for the first time since 2000, the New York Knicks see the 2024 offseason as a prime opportunity to trade for a star player, according to Fred Katz of The Athletic.
The Knicks have exercised patience in their pursuit of a star, such as during the 2022 offseason when negotiations with the Utah Jazz for Donovan Mitchell fell through.
ESPN reports that the Knicks are expected to target several high-profile players in the league, including Mikal Bridges of the Brooklyn Nets and Devin Booker of the Suns, among others.
According to ESPN, these are the New York Knicks main trade targets this off season pic.twitter.com/fj0BefcmIM
— Big Knick Energy (@BigKnickEnergy_) May 20, 2024
Brian Windhorst also said on ESPN’s Get Up show that the Knicks could also be eyeing the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo. “The whole league is obviously watching what happens with Giannis. Certainly, the Knicks are one of them,” he noted.
Antetokounmpo signed a three-year, $175.9 million extension with the Bucks last October, keeping him under contract through at least the 2026-27 season.
The Bucks would only consider trading Antetokounmpo if he requested it, and the two-time NBA MVP has shown no signs of wanting to leave Milwaukee. As recently as two weeks ago, Windhorst stated there were “no rumbles” of Antetokounmpo seeking an exit.
Looking ahead, New York’s roster expenses are set to increase. Julius Randle can become a free agent in 2025 and is likely to demand a higher salary, as will Jalen Brunson. Brunson has the option to sign an extension now or wait until 2025 free agency for a max deal.
The Knicks possess all their future first-round picks, along with the Dallas Mavericks’ first-round pick this June, and several protected picks from other teams.