More news: Luka Doncic Reportedly Separates from Partner Amid Hollywood Dating Rumors<\/a><\/p>\n A few months ago, the Knicks were the No. 1 frontrunner for Antetokounmpo<\/a>. Now, though, why would they? The Knicks\u2019 core is playing arguably the best basketball in the sport right now, and the group seems to genuinely love playing for one another.<\/p>\n If this were a video game, sure, go trade for the former MVP. But since this is actual real life, even if New York doesn\u2019t win a title this year, they shouldn\u2019t blow it up for Antetokounmpo.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Although Minnesota were a serious contender for Antetokounmpo at the deadline, they\u2019re another team that I don\u2019t see him playing for next season.<\/p>\n The Timberwolves need to find a true co-star for Anthony Edwards<\/a>, but that being Antetokounmpo seems like an awkward fit. If the Timberwolves were looking for an older second-in-command for Edwards, I\u2019d rather them go after Kawhi Leonard<\/a> from the Los Angeles Clippers<\/a>, who feels like a better fit on the Timberwolves and will probably cost much less.<\/p>\n Luka Doncic has reportedly already told the Lakers\u2019 higher-ups that he wants Austin Reaves on the team moving forward and doesn\u2019t want him traded for Antetokounmpo.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n What else does L.A. have to beat the likes of Golden State<\/a>, Miami<\/a>, or even Boston<\/a>, then? They can do a bunch of pick swaps and give away their 2031 first-rounder, but how valuable would those really be if the Lakers could run out Doncic, Antetokounmpo, and Reaves for the next half-decade?<\/p>\n If the Lakers do any head-turning trades this summer, it feels like it\u2019d be for a young center, like Utah\u2019s Walker Kessler<\/a> or Detroit<\/a>\u2019s Jalen Duren<\/a>.<\/p>\n Related Articles<\/p>\n![\"HOUSTON,](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/65a2c8d568fa3d542d8a1ee12e7c161c.jpeg\"\/)
HOUSTON, TEXAS \u2013 MAY 01: Luka Doncic<\/a> #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates the 98-78 win against the Houston Rockets<\/a> in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 01, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n