The New York Knicks are expected to pursue a star player this offseason, and one of the most prominent names potentially hitting the trade market is Phoenix Suns superstar forward. After a disappointing season that saw the Suns miss the playoffs, major changes could be on the horizon for the team.
If Phoenix decides to trade top veteran, New York is likely to be seen as one of the top contenders to acquire him. The Knicks made two win-now moves last offseason by adding Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, but they likely still need one more star to push them past the competition and reach the top of the league.
Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report suggested a hypothetical trade where the Knicks acquire Kevin Durant in exchange for OG Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson, and five second-round draft picks over the next three years.
Bailey noted that this trade would represent the Knicks’ third major move in just 12 months. While the title window might not stay open for long, he argued that it would certainly be wide open with a starting lineup of Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, Durant, and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Durant would instantly turn the Knicks into title contenders
Kevin Durant will turn 37 before next season, so acquiring him would signal the Knicks’ commitment to winning immediately. Despite his age, he remains one of the league’s top players and could form a potent offensive trio with Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson.
In the 2024 season with the Suns, Durant averaged 26.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per game in 62 appearances. Had he played the minimum 65 games required, he would have been eligible for All-NBA honors and other awards, and likely would have been a candidate for MVP.
Parting with OG Anunoby in this trade would be difficult due to his significant impact on both ends of the court, but it might be a necessary sacrifice to bring in the future Hall of Famer. Mitchell Robinson would also be a tough loss because of his defensive skills and offensive rebounding, but his recent injury issues and the rise of Ariel Hukporti could make him more expendable.
In the end, the Knicks could be in for a major offseason, and acquiring Durant could shift the course of their future, possibly bringing them closer to ending their half-century title drought.