Recent headlines around the league have been dominated by reports suggesting Giannis Antetokounmpo is on the trade block and “ready for a new home.”
That possibility has reportedly placed several contenders on high alert, including the New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Golden State Warriors, all of whom have been connected to the developing situation.
However, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has since poured some cold water on the idea of New York making an all-in push for Antetokounmpo.
According to Windhorst, the Knicks are not aggressively pursuing the two-time MVP and are instead comfortable continuing with their current core.
After a difficult stretch earlier in the season, New York has rebounded with a six-game winning streak and now sits second in the Eastern Conference at 31-18, a position that has reinforced internal belief in the roster as constructed.
New York Knicks Still Active Despite Antetokounmpo Stance
Even if the Knicks ultimately remain on the sidelines in the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes, that does not mean they will stay quiet as the February 5 trade deadline approaches.
According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, New York is one of four teams that have expressed interest in Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall.
“Naji Marshall is another player being linked to Los Angeles, among other playoff contenders, but Dallas has held a high asking price of a first-round pick for the 28-year-old wing,” Siegel wrote. “Other teams that have inquired about Marshall include the Knicks, Detroit Pistons, and Boston Celtics.”
Marshall is in the midst of the best season of his career. Through 48 games, he is averaging 14.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.0 steal per game while shooting an efficient 53.8% from the field, though his three-point accuracy remains modest at 30.4% .
In January, Marshall raised his averages to 17.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, and when starting, he has produced 17.8 points per night across 25 appearances while logging 32.6 minutes per game.
The 28-year-old is under contract through the 2026-27 season, currently in year two of a three-year, $27 million deal. He is earning $9 million this season and is owed $9.4 million in the final year before becoming an unrestricted free agent.
Knicks Exploring Multiple Paths Before the Deadline
Despite operating with a limited collection of trade assets, New York appears motivated to explore incremental upgrades ahead of the deadline.
Another name generating buzz is New Orleans Pelicans wing Saddiq Bey. According to NBA reporter Evan Sidery, the Knicks are among several teams that have recently checked in, signaling interest in a lower-cost move that could add depth and shooting on the wing.
HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto has also reported that Pelicans center Yves Missi is attracting significant leaguewide interest, with New York firmly listed among potential suitors.
That development raises the possibility that the Knicks could explore a broader trade framework with New Orleans rather than targeting a single player.
Internally, however, much of New York’s trade focus continues to revolve around Guerschon Yabusele.
While his offseason arrival was met with optimism, his role has never fully settled, and the fit alongside the Knicks’ core has fallen short of expectations.
Yabusele is earning $5.5 million this season and holds a $5.7 million player option for the 2026-27 campaign, a structure that has added urgency to New York’s decision-making.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Knicks are motivated to move off Yabusele’s contract before that option comes into play, making the upcoming deadline a meaningful pressure point as the front office weighs flexibility against continuity.
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