Kevin Durant on the Move? Knicks Eye New Coach and Giannis' Future!

Casselberry, USA - The NBA world is buzzing with excitement as June 13, 2025, dawns, bringing with it a flurry of speculation and anticipation surrounding key player movements and coaching changes. With NBA Commissioner Adam Silver advocating for minimal trades during the Finals, the spotlight is firmly on three major narratives: the potential trade involving Kevin Durant, the New York Knicks‘ search for a new head coach, and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks, according to Yahoo Sports.

This weekend could be pivotal for Durant, with indications that a trade may materialize by Sunday. Reportedly, the list of teams vying for the superstar has dwindled to three: the Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets, and Miami Heat. Previous contenders, including the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, have fallen by the wayside, leaving fans to wonder who will land the prolific scorer. Notably, Durant finds himself in the final year of a hefty $54.7 million contract, highlighting the stakes as teams vie for his exceptional talent.

While Durant’s potential departure raises eyebrows, the New York Knicks are grappling with their own drama as they search for a new head coach. Initial hopes of hiring established names like Jason Kidd and Ime Udoka were dashed when both were denied permission for interviews. Now, the Knicks are focusing on Mike Brown, former coach of the Sacramento Kings, and Taylor Jenkins, who was recently fired by the Memphis Grizzlies. Brown’s impressive 454-304 record and two-time Coach of the Year accolades make him a compelling candidate. Conversely, Jenkins, despite being let go, boasts a respectable record of 250-214 over six seasons and could bring fresh ideas to the struggling franchise.

Antetokounmpo’s Place in Milwaukee

As the NBA landscape shifts, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future remains a hot topic. With the Milwaukee Bucks aiming to build around their star player for the upcoming season, General Manager Jon Horst and head coach Doc Rivers have outlined strategies to bolster the roster. The Bucks are particularly focused on retaining key players like Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis, which could push the team over the luxury tax threshold. However, ownership’s willingness to embrace this plan could be shaky, raising the possibility that Antetokounmpo may eventually demand a trade if a successful strategy isn’t presented, as reported by Bleacher Report.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers are navigating their own significant changes after trading for Luka Dončić. With Anthony Davis sidelined, the Lakers are keen on securing a big man to enhance their frontcourt, and Rob Pelinka, their president of basketball operations, is on the hunt for a suitable center. Some hot names include Walker Kessler, Nic Claxton, and Mitchell Robinson. The team’s trade assets remain robust, which could facilitate their offseason goals.

Understanding Trade Dynamics

As teams assess their strategies, the intricate world of NBA trades requires attention to salary cap rules, which play a crucial role in shaping trades. The salary cap for the 2024-25 season stands at $140.58 million, with tax levels set at $170.81 million. Teams that find themselves above the salary cap, like the Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns, face strict trade limitations. In contrast, teams below the cap have more flexibility in absorbing contracts, thus opening up myriad possibilities for trades that could impact team dynamics. Notable trades from the past include major names like Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks, alongside numerous draft picks, as highlighted by Sportskeeda.

The NBA trade deadline for the 2024-25 season is marked for February 6, 2025, at 3 p.m. ET, making this offseason a crucial period for both player positioning and team rebuilds. With Durant, Antetokounmpo, and shifting coaching landscapes, the stage is set for a thrilling summer of NBA action. So, what will happen next? Stay tuned as these stories evolve and shape the future of the league.