The New York Knicks could be challenged by a Western Conference contender in their pursuit of a star player from the Milwaukee Bucks in the future.
Future Knicks Pursuit of Bucks' Star Could Be Challenged by West Contender originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The New York Knicks have had a busy offseason thus far as they have made multiple additions to their roster to upgrade their bench.
Of course, the Knicks added both Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele in free agency to bolster their bench and they also made a head coaching change as they fired Tom Thibodeau and replaced him with Mike Brown.
New York still has one roster spot open as free agency continues and while they are currently focused on this offseason, they, like many other teams around the NBA, are likely also looking ahead, especially to the 2027 offseason.
That is due to Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo being an unrestricted free agent in 2027 and with his future in Milwaukee uncertain, he could be on the move.
Of course, the Knicks have been linked to Giannis over the past few seasons as a potential trade destination for the superstar forward.
New York could still trade for Giannis over the next two seasons before he hits free agency if the Bucks end up moving him but if not, they would be able to sign him in 2027.
While that may be the case, NBA analyst Bill Simmons believes that the Los Angeles Clippers may be the frontrunners to land Giannis in 2027 due to the moves they have made over the past few seasons.
“What they’ve really done here is clear the books for 2027,” Simmons said. “I think this is a real thing. I think the Bucks are terrified of it.”
The Clippers might be cooking something big.
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 28, 2025
At least that’s how Bill Simmons views it.
After moving Norman Powell and stacking short-term deals this offseason, L.A.’s future cap sheet is nearly spotless.
By the summer of 2027, the only significant veteran still under… pic.twitter.com/BDtfH18PHQ
Simmons makes a great point, especially with most of the Clippers’ roster potentially being gone by the time the 2027 offseason hits.
By the 2027 offseason, Kawhi Leonard, Bradley Beal, Chris Paul, James Harden and Brook Lopez may all be gone from Los Angeles leaving them with Ivica Zubac as their only core player under contract and it would also open enough cap space for them to go after Giannis.
Because of this, the Clippers have now emerged as a strong frontrunner to sign Giannis in 2027 due to the cap space they could have which is a massive blow for other teams around the NBA, especially the Knicks.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
