HOUSTON — The Knicks can always count on being part of a big trade rumor.
As the basketball world anticipates Giannis Antetokounmpo becoming disgruntled with the disaster in Milwaukee, insider Marc Stein reported Sunday that the Knicks are among four teams most likely to credibly push for the Greek Freak, joining three more well-known contenders — the Nets, Heat and Warriors.
Of course, the Knicks just unloaded the vast majority of their assets to acquire Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, making it difficult to match offers the Bucks would field.
As a result, a source deemed it “very unlikely” the Knicks can find a way to land Antetokounmpo.
Stein reported that multiple rival teams suggested an ulterior motive for New York’s acquisition of Towns because “having a player of Towns’ caliber on the roster for a potential future Antetokounmpo offer was among the Knicks’ motivations for giving in on their long-held reluctance to include Donte DiVincenzo in trade talks.”
The Bucks are 1-5 after consecutive first-round playoff flameouts and the trade for Damian Lillard has been a major downer.
Antetokounmpo is listed as questionable for Monday’s game against the Cavs with a right adductor strain.
Precious Achiuwa will miss his sixth straight game to start the season after not being cleared for Sunday’s practice because of his strained hamstring.
When Achiuwa was diagnosed with the injury Oct. 20, the Knicks announced he’ll be reevaluated in two to four weeks.
Sunday was the two-week mark.
“He’s doing a little bit more each day but hasn’t been cleared for a regular practice yet. But he’s doing better,” said Tom Thibodeau, essentially repeating what he said after Friday’s victory over the Pistons.
Without Achiuwa, Jericho Sims has been the only regular frontcourt reserve and was struggling before his strong appearance in Detroit.
Sims, a rebounder and defender, went scoreless in 16 minutes, but it still was his best game of the season.
“Every player has certain strengths, so whatever that is, understand what it is and bring that to the team,” Thibodeau said.
Cam Payne, another reserve, was a limited participant in practice because of an injury he suffered late against the Pistons.
He was listed as doubtful for Monday in Houston. If Payne can’t play, it’ll be interesting to see if rookie Tyler Kolek gets his first extended minutes.
“[Payne’s] just a little nicked up,” Thibodeau said. “We’ll see where he is [Monday].