The Knicks reached the Eastern Conference Finals, but the loss to the Pacers leaves the franchise looking for a star player to help bring a championship to the Big Apple for the first time since 1973
13:39 ET, 03 Jun 2025Updated 13:39 ET, 03 Jun 2025
Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns were acquired in trades last offseason and helped the Knicks reach the Eastern Conference Finals(Image: Getty Images)
The New York Knicks are in the market for a “landmark” player amid trade rumors concerning Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant.
On Saturday night, the Indiana Pacers blew away the Knicks in the third and fourth quarters to win 125-108 in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Pacers won the series 4-2 and now go to the NBA Finals to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Meanwhile, the Knicks’ wait for an NBA Finals return for the first time in 26 years – and a first championship since 1973. However, progress has been made.
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The Knicks reached the second round in both 2023 and 2024 but advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals this time around. Going forward, especially with Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum expected to miss the 2025-26 season, the conference feels wide open.
As a result, the Knicks face a crucial offseason. The franchise made moves a year ago; the additions of Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges proved crucial in helping the Knicks reach the final hurdle before the NBA Finals.
New York is in prime position to upgrade their roster and make a championship push next season. According to ESPN’s Sham Charania, the Knicks want to add another star player.
“I’m told the Knicks have internal meetings this week to evaluate everything from the roster, different changes they could make around everything, but especially the roster,” Charania reported. “Whether it’s a landmark player that you could bring in there or definitely depth on that bench.”
One name that has been linked significantly is Antetokounmpo. Since entering the NBA as a raw prospect from Europe, the 30-year-old has developed into one of the most dominant players of his era, winning two MVP awards while leading the Bucks to their first championship in 50 years.
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Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo are both linked with a trade to the Knicks(Image: Getty Images)
Antetokounmpo remains a phenom. Across the 2024-25 NBA season, he averaged 30.4 points per game, with 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 1.2 blocks.
Amid rumors over his future in Milwaukee following a third straight first-round exit, Antetokounmpo has expressed interest in playing in the Big Apple in the past. Appearing on his brother’s ‘Thanalysis Show,’ he said: “I love playing in New York. I think it just brings the best out of me.”
Durant is also a key option whose future is uncertain, and he boasts elite championship experience that would immediately boost expectations in New York. The 36-year-old remains one of the most dynamic scorers in basketball, averaging 26.6 points per game to go with 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists on nearly 50/40/90 shooting splits last season.
While the Phoenix Suns didn’t even make the play-in tournament, Durant’s ability to create shots in isolation remains elite. He’s also a better clutch scorer than Towns, so perhaps the former No. 1 overall pick will be moved to bring in the 15-time All-Star.
Suns superstar Devin Booker and Towns have long hoped to play together after starring as Kentucky teammates, so there could be traction for a deal. If they need a “landmark” player, someone like Durant or Antetokounmpo would certainly fit the bill.