Knicks Urged to Trade Top Star Straight Up for Kevin Durant
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The NBA offseason never fails to deliver, and this summer looks like it'll be no different.
Basketball, specifically the NBA, has become a year-round spectacle, and the league continues to keep fans locked in well beyond the final buzzer of the NBA Finals — and this offseason should be just as captivating.
The expectation is that there will be a ton of player movement, especially regarding the stars of today's game. At the forefront of things in the coming weeks will be Phoenix Suns superstar forward and future Hall of Famer, Kevin Durant.
Durant is likely to be traded from the Suns this summer, and there will be numerous teams wanting to land the 15-time All-Star.
One team that could be in line to land Durant is the New York Knicks. The Knicks may not have the most enticing package for Durant, but they could offer the best player for him: Karl Anthony Towns.
FS1's Nick Wright believes the Knicks should aggressively pursue Durant by offering Towns.
Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns in action during the game against the New York Knicks at Footprint Center on December 15, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Knicks defeated the Suns 139-122.
Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns in action during the game against the New York Knicks at Footprint Center on December 15, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Knicks defeated the Suns 139-122.
Photo by"I think if you offered KAT for Durant, the Suns would say yes... if they made that trade I think they'd be the favorites in the East," said Wright.
'I think if you offered KAT for Durant the Suns would say yes… if they made that trade I think they'd be the favorites in the East.'@getnickwright says despite the age gap the Knicks should go all-in on Kevin Durant pic.twitter.com/MYR8ijMK2d — What's Wright? with Nick Wright (@WhatsWrightShow) June 3, 2025
The Knicks had just fired their head coach of five seasons, Tom Thibodeau. New York could undergo numerous changes this offseason, as it is believed that only Jalen Brunson is safe from trade talks. Outside of that, anyone on the roster is up for grabs, especially if the Knicks have a real shot at Durant.
Towns is a name that could be on the move, although his first season in New York was a success. However, a report a day after the Knicks lost to the Pacers in the playoffs revealed that the Knicks players and coaches had expressed frustration with Towns and his defensive habits.
His time in the Big Apple could be winding down, and that could mean landing Durant. All signs point to Durant likely having a new home for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
Only time will tell, but it appears that trade talks surrounding Durant will intensify in the coming weeks. ESPN's Shams Charania reported the news on Wednesday that in the coming weeks, many teams will call about the availability of Durant.
The 36-year-old has spent the last two-plus seasons in Phoenix and New York, and could take advantage of the situation brewing in the Valley of the Sun.
More NBA news: Knicks Staff Reportedly Losing Patience With Karl-Anthony Towns
Kevin Durant Trade Speculation Will Reportedly Get Aggressive in Coming Weeks
LeBron James' 'Mind the Game' Podcast Takes Massive Shot at Brian Windhorst
For more on the Knicks, Kevin Durant and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
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