The Phoenix Suns appear poised to move on from Kevin Durant during the upcoming offseason, as the franchise struggles to contend for a championship at this moment. This shift creates a potential opportunity for the New York Knicks, who could capitalize on acquiring Durant to strengthen their roster. The Knicks have shown interest in adding a proven wing scorer to complement their current core, including Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, especially if their current playoff run ends without a title.
According to a trade proposal by Michael Saenz from Sir Charles in Charge, the Knicks could pursue Durant if they fall short in the Eastern Conference Finals. Saenz suggests that Durant, with just one year remaining on his contract, would not represent a prohibitive cost and could fit seamlessly alongside Brunson and Towns in New York’s lineup, potentially elevating the team‘s offensive capabilities.
Although the Oklahoma City Thunder are considered frontrunners for the championship this season, the Knicks are not yet out of contention. However, should they fail to advance further, adding a high-profile player like Durant might be the strategy to push the team closer to a title run in the following season.
If the Knicks lose in the conference finals and feel the need to add an offensive-minded wing to help the team take another step forward next season, KD could be a natural fit. Plus, with just one year left on his contract, he wouldn’t be that costly of a deal to make. In theory, KD would be an excellent fit next to Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns,
Michael Saenz, Trade Analyst
Challenges Facing the Knicks in Offering a Trade Package for Durant
Securing Kevin Durant from the Suns will not come easily, as Phoenix’s demands remain unclear but are expected to involve significant assets. The Knicks, however, face limitations due to a lack of draft picks and trade chips that the Suns would likely seek, given their current rebuilding phase.
To make a trade financially and structurally viable, the Knicks may need to part ways with key players, with Karl-Anthony Towns emerging as the most probable candidate. Other notable Knicks like Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby appear indispensable to the team’s future plans, making Towns the most logical piece to include in a deal for Durant.
Due to salary cap considerations and the necessity of balancing the roster, Towns’ contract presents the clearest path for the Knicks to absorb Durant’s salary without disrupting their core beyond repair. Trading Towns could provide the Suns, or another interested team, with a valuable asset while allowing the Knicks to enhance their wing scoring options.
Why Trading Karl-Anthony Towns Could Make Strategic Sense
Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale points out that any transaction involving Kevin Durant landing in New York hinges heavily on the Suns’ or another team’s willingness to assume Karl-Anthony Towns’ contract. Favale emphasizes that the Knicks are unlikely to trade Brunson or risk losing OG Anunoby, both of whom play crucial roles alongside Towns.
Any Kevin Durant-to-the-New York Knicks scenario is predicated on the latter wanting to get out of the Karl-Anthony Towns business and the Suns (or another team) really wanting to enter it,
Dan Favale, Sports Analyst
Yes, the Knicks have other salaries to move around. But they aren’t dealing Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby is too pivotal if you’re keeping Towns, and the optics of rerouting Mikal Bridges for a soon-to-be 37-year-old after you mortgaged the farm to get him aren’t great.
Dan Favale, Sports Analyst
While Karl-Anthony Towns remains a highly skilled big man, the Knicks’ interest in Durant is buoyed by Durant’s status as one of the NBA’s greatest scorers. At 36 years old, Durant posted impressive averages last season, including 26.6 points per game, shooting 52.7% from the field and 43.0% from three-point range. This continued offensive prowess illustrates why Durant would be a coveted addition despite his age.
Durant’s scoring ability and the potential to pair him with Brunson and a reconfigured roster could offer the Knicks a stronger shot at contending. This possibility underscores why Towns’ contract might become a central negotiating piece in any ambitious trade talks.
Implications and Future Outlook for the Knicks’ Offseason Strategy
Should the Knicks decide to pursue Kevin Durant, the trade discussions will undoubtedly spotlight Karl-Anthony Towns due to salary and roster-fit considerations. Moving Towns would mark a significant shift in the Knicks’ lineup, signaling a bold commitment to reshaping their championship window via star acquisition.
This potential trade would reflect the Knicks’ urgency to assemble a team capable of contending in the increasingly competitive Eastern Conference, especially if they perceive their current roster as insufficient to secure an NBA title. The inclusion of Durant could provide the scoring punch needed to push the Knicks beyond previous playoff hurdles.
Ultimately, this offseason could prove pivotal for New York, as front-office decisions involving key players like Towns will determine whether the team can leverage the rare availability of a superstar like Durant to alter its championship trajectory.