Knicks’ focus has to be on core issues — not dreaming of Giannis

ATLANTA — It’s way too early for second-guessing or even mutterings of alarms, but the next opponent provides an opportunity to explore an alternate universe as the Knicks stumble out of the gate at 3-4. 

Giannis Antetokounmpo, who will visit MSG on Friday, is front and center in the Eastern Conference’s most combustible situation. The Bucks looked old and disappointing again with a six-game losing streak heading into their Thursday home contest versus the Jazz. Dame Lillard’s defense has devolved into latter-stage Kemba Walker since arriving in Milwaukee. Khris Middleton is frequently injured and still hasn’t played this season. 

Doc Rivers is their third coach in three seasons and, like his predecessor Adrian Griffin, without viable solutions for the East’s second-highest payroll. 

The circumstances have prompted many around the NBA to ask: “Will the Bucks trade their greatest player ever?” It certainly makes sense if the free fall continues, but the answer most often given is, “A deal like that doesn’t happen until the summer.” 

Antetokounmpo, at 29 and probably still the East’s best player, isn’t above putting pressure on the organization or exerting his influence. Sources said he pushed to install Griffin as coach, then wasn’t thrilled with Griffin before his abrupt firing last season. In summer 2023, Antetokounmpo told the New York Times he’d be unsatisfied and leave the Bucks without another championship. Within two months of that interview, Milwaukee traded for Lillard and Antetokounmpo signed an extension. 

It’s the classic NBA superstar playbook, and it sometimes ends with a relocation — especially if it’s James Harden. Signing the extension removed significant leverage from Antetokounmpo, but there comes a point when separation benefits both parties.