The New York Knicks just completed their best season in a little over two decades.
The organization won 50 regular-season contests and defeated two respectable postseason opponents (the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics) to reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000.
Still, the organization didn’t hesitate to hire head coach Tom Thibodeau after its 4-2 series loss to the Indiana Pacers, which could indicate that a game-changing free agency move is on the horizon.
Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale thinks the Knicks could pull off a blockbuster four-team trade involving their All-Star center and a two-time NBA Finals MVP.
“New York's interest in (Kevin) Durant makes sense, but it's also risky,” Favale wrote Monday. “For all of (Karl-Anthony) Towns' flaws at both ends of the floor, he doesn't turn 30 until November and is under contract through 2027-28. KD will be 37 when the 2025-26 campaign tips off and is entering the final season of his contract.”
“Still, the four-time scoring champ remains a more viable No. 2 option, something the Knicks consistently lacked all season.”
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“His arrival also counts as a defensive upgrade—not just on an individual basis, but also because it spares New York from having to plan around the weaknesses of the Towns-Jalen Brunson duo.”
“Dealing Towns for someone more than seven years older while also giving up a swap doesn't sit totally right. But that 2028 pick has already been swapped, so the crux of the damage is done. And the Knicks can view KD's shorter timeline as added long-term flexibility—particularly if he's willing to sign an extension for less than the max.”
In Favale’s trade proposal, the New Orleans Pelicans would receive Towns; the Knicks would receive Durant; the Phoenix Suns would receive Dejounte Murray, Yves Missi, Kelly Olynyk, and draft capital; and the Washington Wizards would receive P.J. Tucker and draft capital.
Durant has been linked to the Knicks for an extended period. The two-time NBA champion forward hasn’t been a great fit with the Suns and isn’t a player the organization feels comfortable moving forward with, allowing New York to engage in trade talks about the 36-year-old superstar.
Durant and Brunson would be a nightmare superstar duo for any team to match up against.
Durant’s wicked shot-creating chops at 6-foot-11, combined with Brunson’s healthy perimeter and low post-scoring balance, would make it difficult for doubters to keep them out of NBA title conversations for the 2025-26 season.
Towns’ first season with the Knicks was brilliant, as the unorthodox yet highly effective center averaged 24.4 points and 12.8 rebounds per game, shooting 52.6% from the field and 42.0% from three-point range.
Still, Durant’s championship experience and ability to elevate the Knicks’ ceiling to an even higher level should compel New York to consider Favale’s massive multi-team deal.
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