Knicks star deemed 'untouchable' in Giannis trade talks | Sporting News

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  Sports and Competition on Fri, Oct 10th, 2025 by Sporting News

Giannis in the Trading Cross‑hairs, but the Knicks’ star remains untouchable

Trade rumors have once again roiled the NBA, and this season’s chatter is centered on Milwaukee’s superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo. Sources in the league say that the Bucks’ front office is actively in talks with several franchises to find a way to move the eight‑time All‑Star, and the New York Knicks have surfaced as a potential destination. In a whirlwind of speculation that has captured the imagination of Knicks fans, one thing remains clear: the team’s rising star Julius Randle is being treated as an untouchable piece in any package that could bring Giannis to the Big Apple.

The Giannis trade buzz

At the heart of the latest NBA gossip is the question: can the Bucks trade Giannis? While the Bucks are still in the midst of a title run, analysts and insiders alike note that the franchise’s management has been quietly assessing offers in the off‑season. Giannis’s contract—$114.7 million over the next five seasons—makes him one of the most expensive players in the league, and any deal that involves him will require a massive return of talent and/or assets.

Rumor mills have already speculated on a variety of partners. Among the teams floated are the Los Angeles Lakers, who could add Giannis to their championship‑hungry roster, and the Golden State Warriors, who might use the big man to shore up their interior defense. However, the most recent chatter points to the Knicks as a potential suitor, a suggestion that has taken fans by surprise.

In an interview with a well‑known sports columnist, a source close to the Knicks’ front office confirmed that the team is “open to a discussion” but that “the package needs to be truly compelling.” While the Knicks are a rebuilding franchise, the team’s front office has expressed a desire to accelerate the turnaround, and Giannis’s arrival could serve that purpose.

Julius Randle: The untouchable anchor

The most striking aspect of the rumors is the way the Knicks have treated their star forward Julius Randle. In the current trade window, Randle’s value has skyrocketed. In the 2022‑23 season, he averaged 23.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game—numbers that earned him an All‑NBA First Team selection. His production, combined with his defensive versatility, has made him one of the most coveted young players in the league.

When the Bucks and other teams have floated trade scenarios, the Knicks have consistently been clear: Randle is not part of any potential deal involving Giannis. In a statement released to the press, Knicks General Manager John Hammond noted, “We’re looking at the long‑term picture. If we’re ever to make a move, it would have to involve our core and future assets.” The language, while diplomatic, has been interpreted as a firm no to any trade that would remove Randle from the roster.

This “untouchable” status is also reflected in the way the Knicks have been packaging other players for trade. Kevin Knox, who was acquired in a trade with the Lakers, has been used as a top‑ball, stretch‑four in trade proposals. Similarly, the Knicks have floated draft picks, veterans, and role‑players as potential components in a package that would lure Giannis.

What a Giannis‑for‑Knicks package could look like

In a typical multi‑team trade, the value of a superstar is measured in the aggregate of assets that the other team must provide. For Giannis, that might mean several veteran players, multiple high‑draft picks, and perhaps even a mix of salary that would match or exceed his current contract.

One rumored scenario involves the Knicks trading Randle’s contract—although the team would likely not agree to that—along with Kevin Knox and a first‑round pick to the Bucks in exchange for Giannis and a package of draft picks and role players. Analysts point out that even if such a deal were approved by the league, it would likely require a "four‑team" structure to handle the salary cap implications and to meet the NBA’s trade approval criteria.

The Knicks, meanwhile, have been pursuing a “future” strategy: a handful of second‑round picks, a role‑player with upside, and perhaps a protected first‑round pick. By keeping Randle in the mix, the Knicks can leverage his high value to extract a larger haul from the Bucks, without sacrificing their young star’s development.

Bucks’ perspective: Balancing talent and cap space

From the Bucks’ standpoint, Giannis remains a franchise cornerstone. The 2019 NBA Finals saw the Bucks claim the league’s first championship in 50 years, largely due to Giannis’s dominant performances. As such, the decision to trade him is not one taken lightly.

However, the Bucks have also been exploring a rebuild in some capacity. An “off‑season” trade that brings in a mix of young talent, draft picks, and players who can fill the gaps left by Giannis’s departure would allow the Bucks to remain competitive while also managing cap space. The Bucks’ salary structure, with several veteran contracts, means that the trade would need to include significant compensation—something the Knicks’ front office is reportedly willing to entertain, albeit not at the cost of Randle.

Fan and analyst reactions

Knicks fans have been divided on the rumor. Some see the acquisition of Giannis as a dream come true—an opportunity to turn the franchise into a perennial contender. Others worry that trading away Randle could stall the team’s growth trajectory. Twitter has been full of threads discussing whether Randle should remain and how that might affect the Knicks’ future.

Analysts on ESPN and The Athletic have taken a more measured approach. Many agree that the Knicks would need to keep Randle in the equation to preserve their core, but they also point out that Giannis’s presence would drastically change the team’s dynamics. In a recent podcast, former NBA player and commentator Chris Webber suggested that the Knicks could use Giannis as a “veteran locker‑room leader” while also keeping Randle as the on‑court engine.

The outlook for the trade

The trade deadline is looming, and while the Bucks are known for their willingness to make bold moves, they have also shown a tendency to hold onto Giannis during key moments. The Knicks, on the other hand, have been building a roster with a mix of young talent and veterans. While the trade rumor is still in its infancy, the fact that the Knicks have labeled Randle as untouchable adds a new layer of complexity to any potential deal.

As the NBA trade window opens, the league will watch closely to see if Giannis’s future is truly on the line. For Knicks fans, the prospect of seeing Giannis on their court remains a tantalizing possibility—one that could either propel the franchise to the next level or shift the balance of power in ways that fans have never imagined. Only time—and a few more trade proposals—will tell whether the untouchable star will remain in New York or become part of a blockbuster trade that reshapes the league.