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By Robert Marvi
Contributing Sports Writer
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The rumors surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo continue to circulate unabated. He wasn't traded prior to the NBA's Feb. 5 trade deadline, and most expected him to be dealt at some point this summer, as his Milwaukee Bucks have been going nowhere with him for a while.
The question is where Antetokounmpo will end up in a few months. Even though they're playing well and already have a championship-caliber roster, the New York Knicks remain a distinct possibility in the minds of many.
On Saturday, the WWE Elimination Chamber was held at United Center in Chicago, and Antetokounmpo was on hand for the event. At one point during the event, WWE commentator Michael Cole urged the two-time MVP to become a member of the Knicks.
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"Please, Giannis, please come to New York," Cole said. "Please come to the Garden."
Read more: Knicks Star Karl-Anthony Towns Facing Harsh Criticism
After sitting out 15 games due to a calf strain, Antetokounmpo returned to game action on Monday when the Bucks took on the Boston Celtics. The Bucks lost, 108-81, and they now hold a 26-34 record, which puts them in 11th place in the Eastern Conference and 3.5 games behind the 10th-place Charlotte Hornets.
The Bucks lack trade assets they can use to quickly improve and become an elite team. The NBA championship they won in 2021 is starting to seem like a distant memory, and it seems extremely unlikely they can win another ring with Antetokounmpo.
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Antetokounmpo, 31, was averaging 28 points on 64.5% from the field, 10 rebounds and 5.6 assists a game coming into Monday. He's still very much in his prime, and he could single-handedly make a number of teams championship contenders.
The Knicks are already championship contenders to many, and they have won 14 of their last 18 games. They're coming off an impressive 114-89 win over the San Antonio Spurs, who have the NBA's third-best record, and their defense is starting to suffocate opponents on a regular basis.
Some may question if New York even needs Antetokounmpo at this point. But if the team doesn't at least reach the NBA Finals, it will almost surely revisit landing Antetokounmpo this summer, especially given the criticism surrounding Karl-Anthony Towns, who isn't the most seamless fit alongside Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and crew.
Read more: Reggie Miller Reveals ‘Real Threat’ NBA Finals Contender Without Hesitation
The Knicks are currently in third place in the East with a 39-22 record and are two games behind the second-place Boston Celtics. They have a tough stretch coming up, as they will face the Toronto Raptors, Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers between now and Sunday, March 8.
For more on the Knicks and Bucks and general NBA news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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