The New York Knicks are coming off a thrilling 2025 season.
New York reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years.
With a core led by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks proved they’re contenders, but their Game 6 loss to the Indiana Pacers exposed areas for improvement.
As the offseason begins, the Knicks are reportedly exploring a transformative trade to pair Brunson with a superstar who could push them over the top.
Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes recently outlined a tantalizing scenario for the Knicks’ next move: “Imagine having all the offensive juice of Karl-Anthony Towns (and then some) with far fewer mental errors and a roster-reorganizing return to Mitchell Robinson as a full-time starter," Hughes said.
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"That version of the Knicks swaps out KAT for Kevin Durant, and it probably needs a backup big to offset the risk of Robinson's injury history. Big deal," Hughes continued.
"Reserve centers are easy to find, and Durant is quietly a pretty good rim-protector as long as he's not asked to man the low spot in the defense for long stretches. He held opponents to a lower hit rate inside six feet (56.0 to 65.7 percent) than Towns did last season. Durant isn't what he was a decade ago. He's not as dangerous going downhill, and he's bound to miss time in what'll be his age-37 season. But he's a better all-around offensive player than Towns, takes nothing off the table defensively and could give Jalen Brunson and the Knicks a level of reliable shot-making they lack.”
Towns, a five-time All-Star, averaged 21.4 points and 11.6 rebounds in the 2025 playoffs but drew criticism for defensive lapses, with The Athletic reporting team frustration over his incorrect coverages.
Swapping KAT for Durant, a 15-time All-Star, could elevate New York’s offense while maintaining defensive stability. Durant’s 56.0% opponent shooting rate inside six feet last season outshone Towns’ 65.7%, and his shot-making would complement Brunson’s playmaking, reducing offensive pressure in clutch moments.
The trade isn’t without risks. Durant, turning 37 in September 2025, has an injury history, missing significant time in recent seasons. Still, Durant’s fit alongside Brunson, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges could create a versatile, title-ready roster.
The Knicks’ front office, led by Leon Rose, has a history of bold moves, landing Towns and Bridges in 2024. With Durant reportedly on the market, New York’s interest is no surprise. If executed, this trade could redefine the Knicks’ championship window, blending Durant’s proven greatness with Brunson’s prime for a 2026 title run.
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