Knicks Eye Durant Trade After Coaching Shake-Up: Big Changes Ahead!

Casselberry, USA - The New York Knicks are on the hunt for a new head coach after parting ways with Tom Thibodeau following their promising run in the Eastern Conference finals. But it’s not just the coaching position that’s under the spotlight. Team management is also eyeing a significant roster overhaul, with discussions swirling around a potential trade for star player Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns. According to Yahoo Sports, there was a mutual interest between the Knicks and Durant at the trade deadline this past February, although no deal was finalized. Durant, who commands a hefty salary of $54.7 million for the coming season, is likely considering his options, especially with the Knicks keen to make impactful roster additions after their solid 51-game season.

As the Knicks prepare for the offseason, they’re not taking any chances. With reports suggesting that Durant may be looking for a championship contender, it’s no wonder the Knicks are trying to get ahead of the curve. ESPN’s Shams Charania noted that they even made an offer for the superstar earlier this year, but the Suns, who are under new management, had their own complications to navigate. The Suns are reportedly looking to shed Durant’s salary as part of a broader roster overhaul under general manager Brian Gregory and head coach Jordan Ott, reinforcing the notion that the Knicks might revisit this high-stakes deal soon.

Follow the Money

The Knicks‘ approach is not without its challenges. With the need to match Durant’s salary on the books, finding the right pieces to trade is critical. Fan favorites like Jalen Brunson are considered untouchable, while the likes of Mikal Bridges and defensive ace OG Anunoby are viewed as too valuable for the Knicks to part with. The combination of Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson, as noted in Bleacher Report, would barely scratch the surface, totaling $32.5 million—far less than the $54.7 million Durant earns. There might be a need to involve a third party to balance the financial books, which could complicate any potential deal.

Adding to the Knicks‘ complexity is the mention of Karl-Anthony Towns and Giannis Antetokounmpo both being potential targets. Towns, with a salary of $53.1 million next season, could represent an intriguing swap with the Suns for Durant, although the Knicks‘ recent acquisition of him makes this scenario a fascinating, albeit surprising, prospect. Meanwhile, Giannis‘ price tag of $54.1 million only reinforces the Knicks‘ pressing need to deepen their roster while navigating hefty contracts. After trading away five first-round picks to acquire Bridges, questions linger about the Knicks‘ overall depth if they were to land Durant, which has been an ongoing issue for the Suns since they brought in both Durant and Bradley Beal.

New Horizons

The Knicks’ front office is feeling the weight of expectations. Charania has emphasized that if they weren’t able to finalize a deal for Durant before the trade deadline, it does not rule out their interest as they now seek to establish continuity and a new coaching direction for the upcoming 2025-26 season. The exit from the playoffs was certainly not merely a coaching failure for Thibodeau, but it also served as a wake-up call, indicating that significant adjustments might be crucial moving forward.

In the fast-changing landscape of the NBA, keeping an eye on potential trade developments is essential for the Knicks—and fans should be ready for anything as the off-season unfolds. As the saying goes, “there’s something to be said for it” when teams seize the moment during transformative phases, and for the Knicks, this might just be their time. With high-profile acquisitions on the horizon, it certainly feels like the Knicks are positioning themselves to make some waves in the roster department.