When rumors about Kevin Durant leaving the Phoenix Suns popped up, the New York Knicks quickly entered the conversation.
Fans thought this could be a match made in heaven, and they saw how both teams could get something good out of a trade.
But speculation about the Knicks quickly died down, and now the reason is clear: New York wasn’t too interested in Durant.
According to Marc Stein, per Legion Hoops, Durant’s preferred trade destination was in fact the Knicks, but the team “didn’t have the same level of interest.”
Kevin Durant’s preferred trade destination was New York, but the Knicks didn’t have the same level of interest, via @MarcJSpears
(h/t @esidery) pic.twitter.com/jBRMPpPvFk
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 16, 2025
A trade like this doesn’t work unless both sides are very interested and, in this case, that just wasn’t the reality.
The Suns likely would have gotten a lot out of this deal, too, possibly even someone as powerful as Karl-Anthony Towns.
But the Knicks are not in the Durant business, which is good news for teams such as the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Durant is a future Hall of Famer and two-time champion, so why wouldn’t the Knicks want to try for him?
Perhaps it’s his age, or perhaps it’s the fact that a lot of players and assets would have to be sent back to Phoenix.
Or maybe it’s just that the Knicks like the team they have now and think they can be successful without Durant.
Whatever the reason, the Knicks turned away from a Durant trade, although they may make other moves this summer.
That means the Suns have one less potential partner, but they still have a few options.
NEXT: Insider Reveals Interesting Jason Kidd, Knicks Update