The Celtics’ fanbase is split on the biggest question of the NBA offseason: to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, or not to? There are strong arguments to be made for both sides, but there may be no better source of inspiration for this matter than looking at the Knicks, who are on a magical run and are now just three wins away from bringing the championship home to New York.
For years, the Knicks were circling Giannis like vultures, and there were plenty of whispers that New York was a preferred destination for the Greek Freak. Multiple transaction cycles went by, and they had several chances to make a real run at the two-time MVP.
But even after tough playoff losses, the Knicks chose to ride it out with their group, keep building together as a team, and instead of blowing it up and sacrificing depth and assets for Antetokounmpo, New York built on their continuity and cohesion, growing their team chemistry. They could have turned some combination of players like Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and others into Giannis, but they rode it out and grew from their losses instead.
Now, their confidence and connectivity show through on the screen as they’ve won 12 straight playoff games and have a unit that trusts each other completely because they’ve been through the battles together as a group, and now they believe they can win the war.
Celtics don’t need to break up championship core for Giannis
The Celtics suddenly find themselves in a similar situation to where the Knicks have been in recent years. They’re coming off a second straight disappointing early exit from the playoffs, and there’s all kinds of smoke around rumors of a Giannis trade to Boston.
Apparently, Giannis wants to go to Boston, but the Celtics don’t seem to want him back. It’s a difficult decision obviously, as we’re talking about one of the premier players in the league and an all-time great, who’s still in the end of his prime.Â
But that would mean doing what the Knicks would not: breaking up the core. The Celtics would have to break up the Jays after a nearly-10-year run and deal Jaylen Brown, either to the Bucks or to a third team with young players and picks heading back to Milwaukee. Boston could be required to sacrifice young players and/or future draft capital as well to make it work.
At the end of the day, there’s certainly a case to be made for making the trade. But watching the Knicks should be instructive, and an important reminder that sometimes it’s best to stick with continuity and a proven track record of what works. If Brad Stevens and company truly decide they are ready to break things up, they better be extremely sure it’s the right move.
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