The New York Knicks are once again at the center of blockbuster trade speculation, and this time, the name linked to Madison Square Garden is none other than Kevin Durant.
According to a bold trade proposal from Yahoo Sports’ Tom Haberstroh, the Knicks could land the former MVP and two-time NBA champion in a stunning three-team deal involving the Phoenix Suns and Washington Wizards.
The trade would send shockwaves across the league and redefine the Eastern Conference power dynamic heading into next season.
Trade Details
New York Knicks Receive: Kevin Durant, Richaun Holmes
Phoenix Suns Receive: Karl-Anthony Towns, 2030 First-Round pick swap (via Knicks)
Washington Wizards Receive: Miles McBride, Josh Hart, Retains their 2026 First-Round pick (top-8 protected)
The Knicks Get A Two-Way Superstar
At the heart of the deal is New York’s decision to potentially pivot from Karl-Anthony Towns, who struggled defensively in the Eastern Conference Finals, to the aging but still elite Durant.
Towns was a CAA client and a close connection to Knicks president Leon Rose, but his performance, particularly his one block in six games against Indiana, underscored how much of a liability he can be when the stakes are highest.
His defensive lapses forced Tom Thibodeau to insert Mitchell Robinson into the starting lineup midway through the series, signaling a need for change.
Durant may not be in his prime, but he remains a better two-way player than Towns and wouldn’t hamstring the Knicks’ long-term cap flexibility.
He is due roughly $51 million annually, compared to Towns’ jaw-dropping $57 million next season and $61 million in 2027-28. For a team staring at a $172 million luxury tax bill next season, that matters.
From the Suns' perspective, acquiring Towns reunites him with his college teammate Devin Booker. It’s a last-ditch attempt to salvage a team that flamed out of the 2025 playoffs.
With Durant reportedly open to a trade and Phoenix wary of completely rebuilding, Towns offers an offensive force to pair with Booker, with the potential to keep them competitive without chasing full-scale mediocrity.
The Wizards Get Their Draft Pick Back And Young Talent
Meanwhile, the Wizards play the role of facilitator. They eat Josh Hart’s contract and regain full control of their 2026 pick. In return, they receive Miles McBride, a solid 24-year-old guard with upside. It’s a small price to pay to help balance the trade math between two apron-strapped franchises.
The Knicks, for their part, are still exploring other superstar avenues, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, but Durant presents a more realistic short-term acquisition. Presumably, this deal wouldn’t happen without Durant’s blessing.
The Knicks Can Have A Deadly Lineup Next Season
But if he gives the green light, the Knicks could suddenly boast a lineup of Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Kevin Durant, and Mitchell Robinson, a team with offensive firepower and significantly more defensive bite.
However, Knicks isn’t the only team monitoring Durant’s situation.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly extremely interested in Kevin Durant, viewing him as the perfect “alpha” to play alongside rising superstar Anthony Edwards.
After back-to-back Conference Finals appearances and ongoing roster uncertainty, Minnesota is looking to make a win-now move to maximize Edwards’ prime.
According to league whispers, they’ve already contacted a third team in the Eastern Conference to explore facilitating a potential Durant deal, which shows just how serious they are.
But the Timberwolves aren’t alone in their pursuit. The San Antonio Spurs are also reportedly interested in Durant, with rumors of mutual interest between KD and the franchise.
Pairing Durant with Victor Wembanyama would instantly catapult San Antonio into contention and form one of the most unique inside-out superstar duos in NBA history. The idea of a three-time Olympic gold medalist mentoring one of the most hyped prospects ever is tantalizing for fans and executives alike.
The race for Kevin Durant is heating up. And in a league where power can shift in an instant, the next few weeks could redefine multiple franchises.
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