Stephen A. Smith Wouldn’t Hesitate to Trade Half Knicks Roster in a Heartbeat for Giannis Antetokounmpo for This One Major Reason

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee was a major offseason talking point, with the New York Knicks mentioned as a potential trade suitor. On Tuesday, Knicks fan Stephen A. Smith claimed he’d happily trade half the roster if that’s what it took to land the former MVP.

During an appearance on the “Joe and Jada” podcast, Smith discussed the Knicks’ outlook this season amid mounting Eastern Conference injuries and opened up on their pursuit of Giannis.

"The New York Knicks have the best chance they've had at the Finals in 25 years. I'm going to tell you why. Jayson Tatum Achilles. Tyrese Haliburton Achilles," Smith said. (Timestamp: 15:37 onwards). "Here's the deal. These dudes had a chance to get Giannis."

Co-host Fat Joe then asked Smith if trading half the roster for the forward would really be worth it. Smith didn’t hesitate, saying he’d make that move in a heartbeat for one major reason.

"Let me tell you something right now, Giannis in New York? S*it, yes, in a heartbeat. I wouldn’t hesitate. It’s Giannis, dog," Smith remarked."You know why? Because I'm gonna have a chance to get to the finals every with Giannis."

With the likes of the Boston Celtics and the Indiana Pacers losing key players and entering a rebuild, the Eastern Conference has been blown wide open. Even so, the Knicks haven’t taken full advantage, sitting in fourth place with an 11–6 record.

However, they are only 3.5 games behind the Detroit Pistons and could mount a serious challenge in the following weeks. Giannis, meanwhile, has opened the season strongly but is carrying much of the load on his own in Milwaukee.

With both sides needing a shift, a move could materialize before the trade window closes in February.

Stephen A. Smith highlights a key blunder that caused the Knicks to miss out on signing Giannis Antetokounmpo

The New York Knicks continue to get linked with a possible signing of Giannis Antetokounmpo, but they will need to give up many assets if they are to acquire his $175 million contract.

However, Stephen A. Smith believes the Knicks might have been able to make it work if not for a major misstep in the Mikal Bridges trade.

"Here’s the deal. They traded five first-round picks for him (Bridges), five. They needed to do more. If they had given up three and kept two for themselves, they could’ve had Giannis. They ended up with nothing left to offer," Smith said via Joe and Jada podcast. (Timestamp: 18:32 onwards)

Despite not having trade assets, the Knicks do have key players to make a deal happen for Giannis Antetokounmpo.