The New York Knicks are emerging more often than not in the trade rumor mill after posting a losing record in January. While they have been linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo, another rumor putting them in the spotlight has been gauging Karl-Anthony Towns’ value. A third massive piece of news has emerged, highlighting their pursuit of Jrue Holiday.
According to insider Marc Stein, the Knicks have explored pathways to land the two-time MVP champion, who is in the second year of his $134,400,000 contract. Here’s what Stein reported on Monday night:
“Another concept that keeps coming up: Rumbles that the Knicks have explored pathways to try to acquire Portland’s Jrue Holiday. There are at least two clear reasons why New York would have interest in a player who helped both Milwaukee and Boston win championships this decade: 1) The presumption that acquiring Holiday — if there’s a way — would make the Knicks an even more attractive destination to Holiday’s former Bucks teammate Antetokounmpo; 2) New York is believed to hold a longstanding fondness for Holiday as a potential backcourt complement to Jalen Brunson.”
Jrue Holiday is a proven winner who excels in his role as a primary defender. On offense, his playmaking and off-ball ability make him one of the most adaptive players. It’s what allowed him to win a title on two different contenders in the Eastern Conference, which have significantly different systems.
Having already won a title with Giannis Antetokounmpo, it could be easier for the two-time MVP to solidify his interest in a move to New York if a familiar face like Jrue Holiday also lands on the Knicks.
Trading Karl-Anthony Towns is the only way the Knicks land Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday together
If the Knicks are serious about acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday together, a Karl-Anthony Towns trade is the only way it happens. Towns is earning $53.1 million this season, the most on the Knicks. Antetokounmpo and Holiday will earn $54.1 million and $32.4 million, respectively. One of Mikal Bridges or OG Anunoby might have to leave the Big Apple as well to accommodate these salaries.
The Trail Blazers might be a part of this trade as they have shown interest in Mikal Bridges. It remains to be seen if that impacts what the Knicks can offer for Antetokounmpo, as it’s unclear what value Holiday has on the market. While he remains an impact player, his contract can be a stumbling block for suitors interested in his services.
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