Magic Johnson has never been one to mince words, especially when it comes to the state of the NBA and the direction of its storied franchises. The Lakers legend and basketball icon recently made headlines once again—not for a business venture or nostalgic commentary, but for a bold take on one of the biggest potential storylines brewing in the league: the New York Knicks’ rumored pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo. In typical Magic fashion, he dismissed the idea that Giannis is the right target for the Knicks and instead pivoted toward advocating for a different NBA star he believes would be a more transformative fit in the Big Apple.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two-time MVP and 2021 NBA champion, has had his name linked to several teams in recent years due to concerns about Milwaukee’s long-term viability as a contender. Despite re-committing to the Bucks, the noise surrounding his future hasn’t disappeared. The Knicks, ever desperate to return to championship relevancy, have often been mentioned as a potential landing spot should Giannis ever seriously consider leaving. With their improved roster, playoff experience, and massive media market appeal, the fit has been endlessly speculated upon.
But Magic Johnson isn’t buying the hype.
According to sources close to Johnson, he believes the Knicks’ infatuation with Giannis is misguided. While he acknowledges Giannis’ greatness—citing his elite athleticism, defensive prowess, and unmatched work ethic—Magic is unconvinced that he’s the right “centerpiece” for New York. In Johnson’s view, Giannis is best suited to a system that is already built around him, much like Milwaukee has done over the years, rather than being dropped into the intense pressure cooker that is Madison Square Garden. Magic worries that Giannis’ limited perimeter shooting and ball-handling under extreme defensive pressure might not translate well in a Knicks system that’s still trying to find its identity on offense.
But more importantly, Magic isn’t simply criticizing—he’s offering a solution. He’s advocating for the Knicks to shift their focus toward another superstar entirely: Devin Booker.
Booker, the Phoenix Suns’ franchise guard, has quietly become one of the most efficient and lethal scorers in the NBA. While Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal have garnered headlines, it’s Booker who has been the engine of the Suns’ offense, a dynamic force capable of taking over games at a moment’s notice. In Magic’s eyes, Booker possesses a level of offensive creativity, shot-making, and calm under pressure that aligns more with what the Knicks need to make the leap from playoff participants to legitimate contenders.
Magic’s endorsement of Booker isn’t just about basketball fit; it’s also about marketability. He understands New York as well as anyone. Having spent his career in the media-heavy environment of Los Angeles, Johnson sees Booker as someone who could thrive under the bright lights of New York without being swallowed by them. He believes Booker’s personality—confident but not overly brash—would resonate with Knicks fans in a way that other stars simply haven’t. And with Booker still only in his late twenties, there’s a window of prime years available that could align perfectly with the Knicks’ current core.
Magic also emphasized the importance of chemistry and continuity, two areas he feels are overlooked when teams chase stars like Giannis. He points to past examples where teams loaded up on superstars without regard for how they actually complemented each other, often resulting in short-lived experiments that failed to yield championships. For the Knicks, who have done an admirable job building a balanced roster with players like Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, and Josh Hart, adding someone like Booker—who can space the floor, create his own shot, and operate within a team structure—makes far more sense than trying to wedge a singularly dominant interior presence like Giannis into a system not tailored to his strengths.
Magic’s words carry weight. As one of the most respected figures in basketball, his opinions are not just hot takes—they’re rooted in experience, insight, and a deep understanding of team-building dynamics. And while he’s a lifelong Laker, Johnson has never been shy about speaking up when he sees another franchise veering off course. His critique of the Knicks’ potential pursuit of Giannis isn’t about disparaging the player—it’s about recognizing that star power alone isn’t the formula for sustained success. Fit matters. Style matters. Personality matters.
The Knicks, for their part, are said to be listening. While no official comment has come from the front office, insiders suggest that there’s growing internal dialogue about whether chasing the biggest name available is really the best strategy. After all, the Knicks have already taken steps toward a more sustainable model. They’ve invested in player development, made shrewd draft choices, and cultivated a team-first mentality under head coach Tom Thibodeau. Bringing in a star who enhances rather than disrupts that culture would be the next logical step.
Devin Booker’s future in Phoenix, meanwhile, is not entirely secure. While he’s under contract, the Suns’ disappointing playoff exits and questions surrounding the durability of their superteam experiment have created a sense of instability. If Phoenix fails to take the next step again next season, there’s a very real possibility Booker could seek a new environment where he can be the definitive face of a franchise. New York, with its rabid fanbase and global platform, could offer that in spades.
There’s also the strategic side of things to consider. From a trade asset standpoint, the Knicks are well-positioned. They have a combination of young talent, future draft picks, and expiring contracts that could form the backbone of an appealing package for a team like Phoenix should they ever entertain moving Booker. It would take courage and precision, but the groundwork is there. And if Magic Johnson’s assessment is shared by even a portion of the Knicks’ leadership, that groundwork might soon turn into action.
Of course, there’s always risk in any star acquisition. Booker, while supremely talented, has had his own challenges—most notably with injuries and navigating expectations. But the key difference, according to Magic, is that Booker represents a seamless fit stylistically. He can score at all three levels, he’s a capable passer, and he’s shown he can excel both as the primary option and in dual-playmaker systems. For a Knicks team that’s shown it can play tough, defensive-minded basketball but often struggles in the halfcourt against elite competition, Booker could be the catalyst that changes everything.
Perhaps most interesting is what Magic’s opinion reveals about the shifting dynamics of the NBA. Gone are the days when teams simply tried to collect the biggest names and hope for the best. The modern game requires nuance—fit, culture, skill synergy, and leadership. Magic Johnson, as both a former player and executive, understands this better than most. He’s seen what happens when teams get it right—and when they don’t. His advice to the Knicks isn’t just to pivot from Giannis for the sake of being different, but to look more deeply at the kind of player who can truly elevate the entire organization.
In the end, only time will tell whether the Knicks take his suggestion seriously. Giannis Antetokounmpo will always be a dream scenario for many franchises, and understandably so. But Magic’s perspective offers a valuable counterpoint to the superstar-at-all-costs mentality. It’s not just about acquiring talent—it’s about acquiring the right talent. For a Knicks team that has been so often haunted by missteps and false starts, perhaps Magic’s vision represents the smarter, steadier path forward.
And if the Knicks ultimately pass on Giannis and make a run at Booker instead, they might just have Magic Johnson to thank for seeing the game one step ahead—again.
