Three Trade Ideas That Would Bolster the Knicks' Title Chances

The New York Knicks have struggled over their last 10 games, posting a 2-8 record, and are currently on a three-game losing streak. The Knicks came into this season with NBA Finals aspirations after firing Tom Thibodeau during the offseason, following the team’s first Eastern Conference Finals appearances since 2000. But ever since their NBA Cup win over the San Antonio Spurs in December of last year, the Knicks have not looked like the Finals team they believe they are. Here are three trade ideas that can put the Knicks back on track to lift the Larry O’Brien for the first time in over 50 years. 

Knicks Trade KAT for Giannis

Bucks Receive: Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, 2026 1st Round pick (via Wizards, Top 8 Protected), 2028 1st Round pick swap (via Knicks), 2030 1st Round pick swap (via Knicks), and 2032 1st Round pick swap (via Knicks) 

Knicks Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kyle Kuzma

You can’t write a Knicks trade article without including Giannis Antetokounmpo. 

This deal is a no-brainer for the Knicks as Giannis would become one of the best players in franchise history overnight. Adding Giannis to this roster would ensure that one of him and Jalen Brunson is on the court at all times, while also dominating in the pick-and-roll when both are on the court. The Knicks and Brunson have sorely missed a strong screen-setting big in their offense since trading for Towns. 

Expected Lineup: Jalen Brunson, Deuce McBride, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Bucks would only do this trade if Giannis demanded a trade to the Knicks, but their recent play combined with Bucks fans booing Giannis just a few days ago, could lead to the superstar wanting a change of scenery in New York. Acquiring Towns and Anunoby along with four first-round picks is probably the best offer the Bucks could get from the Knicks, as this allows them to stay competitive without their franchise legend. 

Expected Lineup: Ryan Rollins, AJ Green, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns, Myles Turner

Knicks Go All-In on Defense

Julio Aguilar/Getty Images

Thunder Receive: Karl-Anthony Towns and Pacome Dadiet

Knicks Receive: Isaiah Hartenstein, Luguentz Dort, and Kenrich Williams

The Knicks goal this season is to win the NBA Finals, and compared to the last 10 teams to make the Finals, since the Bridges and KAT trades, they are on par or better offensively by almost every metric. 

On the defensive side of the ball, not only are the Knicks noticeably worse than the last 10 teams to make the Finals, but they also allow their opponents to have just as good an offense as they do. 

In other words, the Knicks can afford to lose some of their offensive talent to improve their middling defense. Bringing back Isaiah Hartenstein and adding Lu Dort would do exactly that. Over the past two years, since the acquisition of Bridges and Towns, the Knicks defensive rating is 115.6, while teams that made the finals over the past 5 years have sat at 111.3 on average. The Knicks opponent expected field goal percentage has also been below par, slotting in at 55.1%, while the last 10 teams to make the Finals have been at 53.2%. Although this trade would obviously cost the Knicks on the offensive side of the ball, revamping their defense might be just what they need to finally get back to the promised land. 

Expected Lineup: Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Isaiah Hartenstein

It may not make much sense for a 35-8 team to make a deal of this magnitude, but with their defensive prowess and shooting woes, they could use a player of Karl-Anthony Towns’ offensive talent. With three max contract extensions looming, (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren) the Thunder will most likely not be able to retain any of the three players in this deal, while picking up Towns who has an extra year of team control. This gives GM Sam Presti the opportunity to make more moves down the road. 

Expected Lineup: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Cason Wallace, Jalen Williams, Karl-Anthony Towns, Chet Holmgren

Knicks Add Defense Off the Bench

Rocky Widner/Getty Images

Kings Receive: Pacome Dadiet, 2026 2nd Round pick (via Bucks), 2026 2nd Round pick (via Timberwolves), 2027 2nd Round pick (via Rockets)

Knicks Receive: Keon Ellis

Keon Ellis has had the worst season of his NBA career this year, shooting just 38.4% from the field and 35.7% from behind the arc. Whether a change of scenery can bring him back to his career 41.5% shooting from three or not, the Knicks should still pursue a trade for Ellis. As mentioned above, New York does not need offensive help, so acquiring a defense first player is exactly what the Knicks need. Without giving up a key rotational piece, Ellis is the best perimeter defender they could realistically acquire. 

The Kings would easily say yes to this trade as they bring in a former first-round pick with upside and draft capital for a player who has seen a significant decrease in minute from last season. Sacramento would also avoid having to extend Ellis in the offseason. 

The New York Knicks are reeling ever since their NBA Cup win and need a spark to get them back on track. Any of these three trades would significantly help fix what the Knicks are miss most. DEFENSE.