Knicks Eye Jrue Holiday, But Giannis Trade Rumors Appear Far-Fetched
The New York Knicks are reportedly exploring options to acquire Jrue Holiday, but a complex trade scenario involving Giannis Antetokounmpo appears highly unlikely, according to recent NBA insider reports. The Knicks, seeking to bolster their defensive capabilities, see Holiday as a key target as they aim for championship contention.
The Knicks’ interest in Holiday, currently playing for Portland, surfaced on January 27, 2026, with reports from Marc Stein indicating the team is actively investigating potential pathways to bring the veteran guard to New York. The team currently ranks 20th in the NBA in defense, a significant weakness particularly at the point guard position, where Jalen Brunson currently leads.
“Another concept that keeps coming up: Rumbles that the Knicks have explored pathways to try to acquire Portland’s Jrue Holiday,” one analyst reported. “There are at least two clear reasons why New York would have interest in a player…”
Holiday’s championship pedigree – with two rings earned alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo at the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021 – adds to his appeal. His established relationship with Antetokounmpo has also fueled speculation that the Knicks could be positioning themselves to acquire the “Freak” should he become available, as New York is frequently mentioned as a potential destination if Antetokounmpo were to leave Milwaukee.
However, a blockbuster three-team trade involving the Knicks, Bucks, and Portland, as initially floated, is facing significant skepticism. The proposed deal would have sent both Holiday and Antetokounmpo to New York, Jerami Grant to Milwaukee, and Karl-Anthony Towns (or Towns and Bridges) to Portland, along with the Blazers regaining draft rights from the Damian Lillard trade.
“It would be a three-way deal between New York, Milwaukee and Portland,” a senior official stated. “The Knicks would get both Giannis and Jrue Holiday, the Bucks would get Jerami Grant I believe, and would especially recover the rights to their draft picks from the Blazers… while Portland would receive Karl-Anthony Towns, or KAT + Bridges. But why would Portland do this?”
Insider Zach Lowe has dismissed the rumors as “wild,” stating he has found no credible sources to support the feasibility of the trade, particularly questioning the logic for Portland. “I say wild rumor because I have not gotten anyone who would be tangentially involved to say that it’s real, or any of it is real,” Lowe noted.
The Knicks currently have a payroll of approximately $207 million, with Holiday earning $32.4 million this year as part of a four-year, $134 million contract. While the Knicks have the financial capacity to pursue Holiday, the cost of acquiring him – and potentially Antetokounmpo – remains a significant hurdle.
For now, the Knicks may explore more modest options, such as a potential trade involving French forward Guerschon Yabusele. The pursuit of Jrue Holiday continues, but the path to acquiring him appears to be less about a grand, multi-player deal and more about a focused, strategic move.
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