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Pelicans forward Saddiq Bey during a game against the Dallas Mavericks in November 2025
HOver the past week, headlines have been dominated by reports that Giannis Antetokounmpo is “ready for a new home,” a development that has put several teams across the league on high alert.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the New York Knicks are among the franchises seriously monitoring the situation, alongside the Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Golden State Warriors.
Milwaukee is reportedly seeking a “blue-chip young talent” and a substantial haul of draft picks in any deal for the 10-time All-Star.
Therefore, New York’s path to landing Antetokounmpo appears narrow, unless a third team becomes involved to help facilitate a larger framework.
New York Knicks Weigh Short-Term Moves
The belief is that the Bucks are in no rush to move Antetokounmpo, meaning the saga could extend well into the offseason rather than being resolved before the February 5 trade deadline.
In the meantime, the Knicks have been linked to a number of more attainable targets as they look to capitalise on their strong recent form.
New York has surged to second in the Eastern Conference, leapfrogging the Boston Celtics amid a six-game winning streak that has pushed its record to 31-18.
One name gaining traction is New Orleans Pelicans wing Saddiq Bey. According to NBA reporter Evan Sidery, the Knicks are among several teams that have recently checked in.
“The Knicks, Lakers and Suns are among the teams to recently inquire with the Pelicans on Saddiq Bey,” Sidery reported. “Over the past month, Bey is averaging 21.2 points, 6 rebounds and 2.6 assists while shooting 44.4% on threes. Bey is generating strong trade interest during his hot stretch.”
Bey, 26, has quietly put together an impressive season in New Orleans after missing the entire 2024-25 campaign while recovering from an ACL tear.
Through 43 games, he is averaging 16.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.0 steal per game, while shooting 44.6% from the field and 34.1% from three-point range.
Knicks’ Momentum Creates Room for Calculated Additions
During their current six-game run, the Knicks have posted the third-best offensive rating in the league at 119.5 and the NBA’s top defensive rating at 95.2, while also shooting 40.8% from beyond the arc.
Bey would offer additional size and depth on the wing, along with spacing as a capable perimeter shooter and the defensive versatility to hold up across multiple matchups, an appealing fit as New York looks to maximise its current window.
Financially, Bey remains manageable. He is in the second year of a three-year, $19 million contract, earning $6.1 million this season, with a modest increase to $6.4 million in 2026-27.
HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto has also reported that Pelicans center Yves Missi is drawing significant interest leaguewide, with the Knicks firmly among the list of suitors, raising the question of whether New York could pursue a broader deal with New Orleans.
However, much of the Knicks’ internal trade focus continues to center on Guerschon Yabusele. His offseason arrival was initially well-received, but the on-court fit has failed to materialize as hoped.
Yabusele is earning $5.5 million this season and holds a $5.7 million player option for the 2026-27 campaign.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, New York is motivated to move off that contract before the option becomes active, making the approaching deadline a critical pressure point.
While Antetokounmpo remains the headline-grabbing possibility, it’s the Knicks’ ability to execute smaller, strategic moves, like a potential Bey deal, that may ultimately shape how far this season can go.
Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, based in Paris, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA and wider global sport. More about Matt Evans
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