"Karl-Anthony Towns needs to be on his way to Milwaukee" - Kendrick Perkins urges the Knicks to trade for Giannis at all costs

The 2025–26 regular season is only about a quarter in, yet it already seems like there’s no shortage of intriguing storylines. Beyond the Association being rocked by the news that the Los Angeles Clippers literally sent their franchise legend, Chris Paul, home from a road trip, things in Milwaukee are far from quiet. Just a few days ago, another bombshell dropped out of Wisconsin: former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo reportedly requested a trade, and suddenly a wide array of scenarios began to take shape.

Amid all the rumors and rumblings, the ever-present Kendrick Perkins voiced his opinion on where he wants to see Giannis land next, or better said, which team should throw everything, including the kitchen sink, to secure the services of the Greek Freak.

“Karl-Anthony Towns needs to be on his way to Milwaukee. And something else. I don’t know if it’s Mikal Bridges, I don’t know if it’s Josh Hart… But as long as you are the Knicks, the only two players that are off the limits is Big Body Brunson and OG Anunoby,” Perkins pointed out in the recent episode of the “Road Trippin’ Show.”

“But if you are the Knicks, you should be trying to go all-in right now to get Giannis Antetonkoumpo,” the former center turned analyst exclaimed.

Do the Knicks have enough to give up?

It seems the story of Giannis heading to The Big Apple isn’t exactly new, but this time the rumors are louder than ever. Big Perk says that even if the Knicks part ways with Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, or even Josh Hart — all of whom were key pieces in their deep playoff run last season that ended in the Eastern Conference Finals — they would still have more than enough firepower to compete for the Larry O’Brien trophy. With Jalen Brunson playing some of his best basketball in New York and OG Anunoby serving as a reliable third option in this scenario, adding Giannis would immediately put the Knicks in conversations as true championship contenders in the lowly East.

Truth be told, landing a superstar of Antetokounmpo’s caliber would do more than just elevate New York; it would boost the league as a whole. Big market. Exposure. It all adds up perfectly.

However, considering the Knicks’ lack of both elite youth and draft compensation to offer a rebuilding Bucks team, it remains uncertain if any package they can realistically assemble would be enough to convince Milwaukee to part ways with their franchise darling.

Giannis is nursing an injury

This season has been a rollercoaster for the nine-time All-Star. And it’s not like his production has dipped. When he is on the floor, Giannis is still averaging nearly 30 points per game (28.9) and double-digit rebounds (10.1), yet he’s already missed six games for the Bucks. On top of that, he suffered a non-contact calf injury in their most recent outing against the Detroit Pistons, and reports suggest he is expected to miss 2–4 weeks.

While he’s nursing this latest injury, Giannis will have time to carefully examine all the trade possibilities that are expected to reach the Bucks in the coming days. Numerous teams are reportedly interested, and even though Brian Windhorst suggested that Giannis has declared an intent to join the Knicks, the outcome remains very much up in the air. One thing, however, is clear: if the Knicks are serious, Perkins believes it’s time to go all-in.

This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Dec 5, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

“Karl-Anthony Towns needs to be on his way to Milwaukee” – Kendrick Perkins urges the Knicks to trade for Giannis at all costs

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