Kevin Durant is expected to be a major player in the upcoming NBA trade season as he and the Phoenix Suns explore potential deals this summer. Among the various options, Durant’s preferred trade destinations for 2024 have become a focal point of speculation, with former Lakers star Magic Johnson revealing his favored teams for Durant’s next chapter, highlighting the New York Knicks at the forefront.
Durant’s Trade Prospects Amidst Suns’ Transition
The Phoenix Suns have been actively fielding offers for Kevin Durant, especially around the NBA trade deadline when rumors surfaced about a possible reunion with the Golden State Warriors. Draymond Green even mistakenly believed the Warriors had acquired Durant following the news of a separate Luka Doncic trade. Although Durant is no longer in the prime of his career, he continues to be a prolific scorer and an efficient shooter capable of elevating any championship-contending team.
Magic Johnson spoke openly about Durant’s potential impact during an appearance on ESPN’s First Take. He emphasized Durant’s unique ability not only to score but also to change the dynamics of late-game situations by pressuring opponents into foul trouble. Johnson sees Durant as a critical addition for teams seeking to advance deep into the playoffs.
Magic Johnson’s Recommended Teams for Durant
Johnson identified the New York Knicks as his top choice for Durant, explaining that the team desperately needs a clutch performer to complement Jalen Brunson. He compared the potential Durant-Brunson partnership to the iconic Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant duo, where one player leads the team into late-game situations and the other closes the game decisively.
“Kevin Durant is a piece that can actually get you over to win a championship. I like him if he could come here to New York for the Knicks. Brunson needs help and he needs help in the fourth quarter. He’s gonna get you there, but then Indiana loaded up against him and everybody else couldn’t deliver. So they need a guy like Kevin Durant who can say, ‘OK, Brunson you get us there but I’m gonna take us home.’ It reminds me of Shaq and Kobe. Shaq, you get me to the fourth and Kobe said I got it, I’m gonna take us home. So you need a person like Kevin Durant who can also put a team into foul trouble. It’s not just his scoring ability but he also puts you in foul trouble. That was a wake up call against the Pacers with the Knicks. They’re not deep enough and they’re too slow as a team playing the two bigs. Siakam took full advantage of both of those guys when they tried to guard him, Karl-Anthony Towns. And so I believe Durant could help the Knicks if he came here. Also he could help Miami, too. I don’t know if him and Anthony [Edwards] could play together because of the fact of who’s gonna close the game. I see it, but I don’t know if it’s gonna work out. But I love Miami, I love him with the Knicks. And Houston, yeah. They got some young fellas who need a guy like Kevin Durant. And definitely in San Antonio because they’re so young. They need a veteran presence to teach them how to win and Kevin would do that.”
—Magic Johnson, NBA Legend
Other Viable Destinations for Durant
Beyond the Knicks, Magic Johnson mentioned other teams that could benefit greatly from Durant’s skills and veteran leadership. Miami Heat represents a natural fit, blending mutual interest with team needs, potentially giving Durant a chance to compete at the highest level. Texas teams, including the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs, also stand out as promising trade destinations since they feature young talent eager for guidance from a proven star.
The Rockets boast emerging players who would benefit from Durant’s scoring and playoff experience, while the Spurs, recognized for their youth and rebuilding phase, could gain a mentor in Durant who knows what it takes to win championships. These destinations offer a mix of immediate impact and long-term value for Durant’s career as he navigates the latter stages of his playing days.
New York Knicks’ Current Status and Challenges
The Knicks remain a compelling option for Durant, but the franchise is currently dealing with uncertainty surrounding its head coaching position. Despite this, New York’s need for a game-changer to support Brunson and bolster their playoff chances makes them an attractive destination in Durant’s trade considerations. Their performance against teams like Indiana, where defensive limitations were exposed, highlights the urgency for reinforcement.
Durant’s scoring prowess and ability to alter games by drawing fouls could remedy those deficiencies and provide the Knicks with the kind of late-game execution they have lacked. This tactical advantage could prove crucial as the team seeks to establish itself as a contender in a competitive Eastern Conference.
Anticipation Builds Around Durant’s Trade Outcome
With conversations heating up and multiple franchises expressing interest, the possibility of a trade involving Kevin Durant appears imminent. Fans and analysts alike eagerly await news of where the superstar will land, knowing his addition could dramatically shift the playoff landscape for one or more teams. The decision will not only affect the Suns but also reshape the futures of the Knicks, Miami Heat, and Texas franchises.
As the summer advances, key developments are expected, and Durant’s next team will likely benefit from his seasoned talent and championship mindset. His trade will be a defining moment of the 2024 NBA offseason, influencing team strategies and playoff hopes moving forward.
Durant Earns Recognition for Media Cooperation
During a challenging 2024-25 season for the Suns, Kevin Durant remained candid and accessible with the media. His professionalism and openness led to him being honored with the 2024-25 PBWA Magic Johnson Award, which acknowledges players who exemplify cooperation and integrity in their dealings with the press. This recognition underscores Durant’s respected standing both on and off the court as he approaches a critical juncture in his career.