After the New York Knicks clinched the NBA Cup on Tuesday, Jalen Brunson was so thrilled for his teammates that he eagerly took questions on stage. When asked about his MVP award by Taylor Rooks, Brunson instead highlighted the struggles of OG Anunoby, Tyler Kolek, Jordan Clarkson, and Mitchell Robinson, emphasizing that the team couldn’t win without their contributions despite their off night.
This victory marked a significant moment for a Knicks team that’s becoming increasingly special. Brunson has long been the linchpin of the Knicks’ offense, but in past seasons, the team often relied too much on his hero ball. This year, however, the Knicks have found a better rhythm. Averaging 296.1 passes per game—the highest during Brunson’s time—they’ve become much more balanced offensively. Although Brunson is posting a career-high average of 28.8 points per game, six Knicks players now average double-digit points. Players like Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart are experiencing their best efficiency ever. Karl-Anthony Towns is focusing more on defense, accepting fewer shots. The bench, which Coach Tom Thibodeau rarely utilized, is now more involved. Tyler Kolek, who played less than 300 minutes last season, saw a career-high 20 minutes on the court and contributed to a 14-point victory—an opportunity the old Knicks teams never provided.
The team’s success is evident in their top net rating in the Eastern Conference and a projected 59-win season, despite injuries and adapting to coach Mike Brown’s system. While not flawless, the Knicks have become a cohesive unit that maximizes the talents they’ve assembled—an achievement not to be underestimated.
Interestingly, this growth might never have occurred if Giannis Antetokounmpo had pushed harder for a trade last summer. Reports reveal Giannis expressed openness to a trade with the Bucks, and preliminary talks between the Bucks and Knicks took place. The rumored offer involved at least two of Bridges, Anunoby, and Towns. However, Giannis did not press the matter, reportedly uneasy about making a firm trade request, allowing the Bucks to stall the process. Consequently, the trade that seemed likely last summer has yet to happen and may not occur this season, which might actually benefit the Knicks.
If given the chance, the Knicks likely wouldn’t trade for Giannis immediately, as doing so raises numerous uncertainties. How would they compensate for the lost depth? Would current players, accustomed to a certain style, adjust to a completely new system? With the Knicks winning by sharing the ball and balancing their roster, piling resources into one superstar might not be the wisest move.
This cautious approach resembles the Lakers’ situation after acquiring Luka Doncic in February, which led to roster instability and an early playoff exit. The Bucks’ hesitation could be advantageous to the Knicks, giving them time to understand what they truly have before making any drastic changes. As it stands, the Knicks are favorites to win the Eastern Conference (+240 at Caesars) but would likely want to see their playoff opponents before dismantling one of the best rosters in franchise history.
Looking ahead, if Giannis stays in Milwaukee for another offseason, he would hold more power over his future decisions, potentially deterring trade suitors with the threat of not signing an extension. With many teams, including the Lakers, eyeing 2027 cap space, any team renting Giannis risks losing him without compensation.
Situations can change quickly—the Bucks recently lost to the Nets by 45 points—but for now, discussions seem to have stalled, and Giannis’ future may be decided in the summer rather than before the trade deadline.
Having recently won a trophy for the first time in over 50 years, the Knicks are steadily proving their worth and deserve a shot at the NBA’s most coveted prize, the June championship. For now, both Brunson and his teammates see themselves as more than just a collection of players—their team thrives on unity, and there’s a growing determination to keep that strength intact rather than break apart a promising future.
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Fan Take: This development is thrilling for basketball fans as it highlights the Knicks’ evolution into a well-rounded, dynamic team ready to challenge for the championship. It also underscores the delicate balance of building a successful roster in today’s NBA, where chemistry and depth can be just as crucial as acquiring superstar talent.
