Knicks rumors: Bill Simmons proposes a major plan to trade three-party transactions for Antetokounmpo

After the Pacers pushed New York to the brink of the Eastern Conference Finals, Bill Simmons proposed a bold plan to trade three-party deals for Giannis Antetokounmpo. The New York Knicks face significant doubts after trailing the Indiana Pacers 1-3 in the Eastern Conference Finals. After losing Game 4 121-130 Tuesday night, attention quickly turned to the team's future — both in the playoffs and after.

In post-match discussions, senior NBA analyst Bill Simmons proposed a hypothetical tripartite deal to send Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Knicks. The plan also involves the San Antonio Spurs, aiming to reshape the three teams with a big deal.

"I just want to know if it's more reasonable to choose a player like Bridges except Durant, like the 2007 draft, for example, who was selected in the 2007 draft? "Simmons said. "If you are the Knicks, you can trade Bridges for draft picks, and then trade these draft picks and Towns for Giannis, so that you can basically turn Towns and Bridges into Giannis. That's where my question lies?"

Simmons outlined the following framework:

Knicks get: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Bucks get: Carl Anthony Towns and multiple draft picks obtained by the Knicks through the Spurs: Mikal Bridges

Simmons suggests that instead of reconsidering the previously reported interest in Kevin Durant, the Spurs should turn their attention to a younger, offensive and defensive forward like Bridges. This potential move could prompt the Knicks to package Bridges and Towns into a deal in exchange for Antetokounmpo.

Antetokounmpo just finished his 12th season with the Milwaukee Bucks, averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists this season, and shooting as high as 60.1% from the field.

Although the contract is three years away, it is reported that the two-time MVP winner is willing to explore his choice after the Bucks were eliminated in the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs.

Carl Anthony Towns remains one of the most efficient big guys in the league. The 29-year-old center has played 72 games this season, averaging 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.0 steals per game, shooting 52.6% from the field and 42% from three-point shooting percentage.

In the 2025 playoffs, Towns averaged 21.3 points and 11.4 rebounds per game, shooting 49.2% from the field and 37.9% from three-point shooting.

Micar Bridges performed well on both ends of the offense and defense. The 28-year-old has played 82 games this season, averaging 17.6 points, 3.7 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game, shooting 50% from the field and 35.4% from three-pointers.

His average average dropped slightly in the playoffs, with just 15.8 points and 4.8 rebounds, but he remains a versatile winger who can play alongside Victor Victor Vibaniama, the Spurs’ cornerstone.

The deal depends on several factors, including whether Antetokounmpo is willing to leave the Milwaukee Bucks, whether the Bucks are willing to bring in young players, and whether the Spurs are willing to give up other high-profile goals for Bridges.

The Knicks have long been rumored to introduce superstars, and the deal will receive a generation of talented players who partnered with Jaylen Brunson to enhance their desire to win the championship.

As the offseason approaches, multiple teams are evaluating their future, and if the Milwaukee Bucks start considering trading their team's core players, making a deal proposal like Simmons more attractive, the Knicks could be an important player in the trading market.