The NBA offseason has already begun for 28 of the NBA's 30 teams, and things are expected to get busy when the Finals conclude later this month. For the Knicks, this summer offers a chance to build on their 2025 Finals run and make improvements that will maximize their title odds.
While the free agent market is limited, the Knicks (like many teams) will likely consider their trade options to add another star next to Jalen Brunson. Their resources are somewhat limited, but they have enough to get involved in negotiations for several big-name players, like Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns. A recent report reveals the Knicks tried to trade for the 2x champion at February's deadline.
"There's going to be some level of change for this Knicks roster," said Shams Charania. "On Kevin Durant, I will say this: There was mutual interest between Kevin Durant and the Knicks at the deadline. The Knicks made an offer for Durant, but there was no trade."
Following a disappointing season, the Suns are on the verge of a major overhaul, and Durant's place on the team is no longer guaranteed. At 36 years old, his timeline doesn't line up with Devin Booker's, and franchise owner Mat Ishbia is more inclined to trade him than run it back with the team that finished 36 games in the West.
As a big market team that's looking for a star, the Knicks would be an ideal landing spot for Durant, and it's no surprise that he has an interest in joining one of the NBA's most popular and notorious franchises. The question is, what would a potential trade look like? Here are three potential packages that could work for Durant.
Trade Package 1
Proposed Trade Details
Knicks Receive: Kevin Durant, two second-round picks
Suns Receive: Karl-Anthony Towns
With this deal, the Suns and Knicks would do a straight one-to-one swap between Durant and Towns (besides a few second-round picks to sweeten the deal). Since their contracts are similar in structure, the trade could happen without any extra steps, simplifying the process for both teams.
On New York's end, losing Towns would be tough, especially given all that they gave up (Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, a future first-round pick) to acquire him last summer. With averages of 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game this season, he fulfilled his role, but critics are split on whether he's the right fit for this particular group.
If the Knicks lose faith in Towns, what better way to unload his contract than in a deal for a proven winner and champion like Kevin Durant? Meanwhile, the Suns would get to pair Devin Booker with his fellow Kentucky star, Karl-Anthony Towns, to form an effective two-man tandem.
Trade Package 2
Proposed Trade Details
Knicks Receive: Kevin Durant Suns Receive: Mikal Bridges, Mitchell Robinson, Miles McBride
For any other rebuilding team, they'd want young players and draft picks to build up their future. With Devin Booker on the team, however, the Suns intend to stay competitive, and that means finding a trade that will help them win now.
The Knicks will not give up Jalen Brunson in a deal, but they could offer a package of players that will help the Suns replenish some of their depth. For Kevin, a deal that includes Mikal Bridges, Mitchell Robinson, and Miles McBride could get the job done, and it's one of the few Durant trades that match up financially.
As a premier two-way swingman, the Suns would be ecstatic to have Bridges back, and he might help them regain their status and prestige in the West. Along with defensive bug man Mitchell Robinson and Miles McBride, the Suns would have a much deeper rotation with greater defensive versatility than they ever had with Durant.
Trade Package 3
Proposed Trade Details
Knicks Receive: Kevin Durant
Suns Receive: OG Anunoby, Miles McBride, 2026 first-round pick
The Knicks only have one first-round pick to trade, but they won't be needing it anytime soon as a team devoted to winning now. If they use the pick and package it in a deal with OG Anunoby and Miles McBride, it might just be enticing enough for the Suns to accept.
More than anything, Phoenix wants to find a younger player who can make life easier for Devin Booker. As a defensive-minded forward with shooting and rebounding abilities, Anuboby can certainly fill that role for the Suns, and he fits their timeline at 27 years old.
The best part of this deal for the Knicks is that they get to add Durant without giving up Bridges or Karl-Anthony Towns. While they'd lose some depth and draft capital in the deal, it might be worth the sacrifice if they build a borderline superteam next season with three All-Star-level players on the roster.
With so many variables, it's impossible to say for sure how things will play out this summer, but the Knicks are sure to do something after an encouraging playoff run. With Jalen Brunson, they have a point guard they can trust and a closer to secure wins in tight games. But to reach another level of greatness, the Knicks will need a bucket-getter like Kevin Durant to carry them where they haven't been in over 50 years.
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