Knicks Eye Major Shakeup: Could Durant Trade Happen After Coaching Change?

Casselberry, USA - The landscape of the NBA is ever-shifting, and the New York Knicks find themselves in the midst of a transformative off-season. With the recent firing of head coach Tom Thibodeau, the team management is not just looking for a new face on the bench, but is also keen to restructure the roster for a stronger shot at the championship next season.

Rumors are swirling about the Knicks’ interest in acquiring Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant. According to Yahoo Sports, the Knicks had lined up an offer for Durant before the 2025 trade deadline, reflecting a mutual interest. Although the deal didn’t materialize, it underscores their ambition after a solid 51-win season that took them to the Eastern Conference finals.

Seeking Improvement

The Knicks are casting a wide net in hopes of bolstering their lineup. Team president Leon Rose is not just eyeing Durant; players like Karl-Anthony Towns and Giannis Antetokounmpo are also on his radar. Towns has a salary of $53.1 million next season, while Giannis stands at $54.1 million, both of which would demand serious financial maneuvering. Accommodating Durant’s hefty $54.7 million salary poses a challenge, as it would likely mean offloading valuable players.

ESPN’s Shams Charania noted that while Jalen Brunson remains „untouchable,“ others like Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby have been deemed too important defensively to part with. A potential trade could involve a combination of Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson, but even that would only bring in about $32.5 million—still shy of covering Durant’s contract.

Depth Concerns

The Knicks face a conundrum. After trading away five first-round picks to acquire Bridges, their depth has taken a hit. Adding Durant might alleviate some scoring issues, but it could further strain an already thin roster, as noted by CBS Sports. They’ve acknowledged the need for more depth after their struggles in the playoffs, where they were just two wins short of an NBA title for the first time since 1999.

Meanwhile, the Suns are also looking to shake things up under new general manager Brian Gregory and head coach Jordan Ott, needing to reduce Durant’s financial footprint to accelerate their roster changes. This makes them a willing partner in negotiations, especially considering their underwhelming results this season.

Future Outlook

As the Knicks pursue a new direction under different leadership, it’s clear that they’re serious about competing. The right trades could set them up not only to build on their successful campaign but also to draw in a veteran like Durant, who is also eyeing a title before retirement. His age, turning 37 this September, and championship aspirations are factors that the Knicks must consider as they map out their strategy.

Undoubtedly, this summer will be one of significant upheaval in NYC basketball. Should the Knicks manage to secure Durant or make other key acquisitions, they might just become the formidable contender they’ve long sought to be. With management prepared to make bold moves, basketball fans in New York will be watching closely as this story unfolds.