“Knicks don’t need Giannis”: Carmelo Anthony pushes Knicks to trade for Lonzo Ball as Jalen Brunson’s running mate 

Carmelo Anthony has advised the New York Knicks to land Lonzo Ball as Jalen Brunson’s running mate instead of Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Knicks fell short of an NBA Finals run this year, losing 4-2 to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals. The team needed additional help on offense and depth to get over the hump.

As the Knicks turn their attention to the market to provide Brunson with adequate support, franchise legend Anthony suggested trading for a backcourt piece instead of a player like Antetokounmpo. During the latest episode of his podcast, “7PM in Brooklyn,” which premiered Thursday, Anthony said:

“I’ll bring Lonzo over here. Look, low-risk, high-reward … Now, when JB (Brunson) go out the game, Lonzo can spoonfeed.”

Anthony explained that the Knicks need someone in the backcourt to run the offense with or without Brunson. He believes the team was asking too much of Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart and OG Anunoby to play out of their roles as secondary ball-handlers.

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Carmelo Anthony mentioned that New York needs an Andrew Nembhard-type presence next to Brunson. He agreed with his co-hosts that Coby White could also fill that role before rejecting the idea that the Knicks need another superstar.

"Knicks don't need Giannis, Knicks don't need none of that."

Lonzo Ball would be an attainable target for the Knicks, who don’t have many assets available. Ball is making $10 million next year and has a club option for 2026-27. The primary concerns surrounding him are his health, as he returned from a two-and-a-half-year injury hiatus in October 2024. As for his on-court fit, he would seamlessly mesh next to the Knicks’ starters.

New York Knicks unlikely to pursue Kevin Durant or Giannis Antetokounmpo

There's been significant buzz around the New York Knicks this offseason. Just as trade rumors picked up around Eastern Conference heavyweights, they decided to move on from coach Tom Thibodeau. Along with searching for a new coach this summer, the Knicks must also consider roster retooling, as there are significant weaknesses.

The Knicks have been linked to Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, it seems New York won’t be in the race for either player. Knicks insiders Stefan Bondy and Steve Popper have debunked the Durant links, while the Antetokounmpo trade buzz came to a halt with reports suggesting he might stay in Milwaukee.

New York doesn’t have the assets to complete a trade and would need to involve multiple teams.

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About the author

Arhaan Raje

Arhaan Raje is an Assistant Content Manager and Senior Writer with Sportskeeda's NBA/WNBA team with four years of experience.

Arhaan focuses on features, trends, listicles, and the latest rumors and reports circling the league's top teams and players. He emphasizes detailed research to create impactful content for readers. A fan of Xs and Os, Arhaan provides technical deep dives in his reporting.

Arhaan completed his bachelor's degree in BBA in Media and Entertainment Management from Mumbai, India.

Arhaan admires the killer mentality of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. He respects LeBron James for being a role model on and off the court. The bold and decisive Gregg Popovich stands out as Arhaan's favorite basketball coach. LeBron's epic chase-down block in the 2016 NBA Finals has a special place in Arhaan's basketball memories.

He has interviewed former NBA Defensive Player of the Year Gary Payton and Ronnie 2K, the face of NBA2k and Marketing Director.

Sports isn't the only passion he has pursued professionally. Arhaan is also into performing arts in the music industry as a percussionist.

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