Kevin Durant’s time in Phoenix is all but over. The Suns are spiraling, sitting below .500 (35-40) despite having a supposed superteam, and the frustration is mounting.
Reports have already surfaced that Phoenix explored moving Durant at the trade deadline, and with the summer looming, they’re expected to revisit those discussions.
While teams will certainly have interest in the 36-year-old superstar, one organization that won’t bite—at least not at the Suns’ asking price—is the New York Knicks.
The Knicks are in win-now mode, sitting comfortably in the top four of the East and boasting a deep, battle-tested roster. Jalen Brunson has emerged as a legitimate superstar, Karl-Anthony Towns has given them an inside-out offensive weapon, and their stable of versatile wings—Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart—makes them one of the most well-rounded teams in the NBA.
If they fall short of a championship, the front office will undoubtedly explore ways to improve. But taking a wrecking ball to their carefully built contender for an aging Durant? That’s simply not happening.
With the Suns expected to field offers, speculation will naturally turn to the Knicks, given their aggressive front office and stockpile of assets. But while Durant’s name carries weight, the Knicks aren’t desperate.
They’ve spent years building a sustainable winner, and mortgaging that foundation for a player who may not put them over the top, especially at this stage of his career, would be a massive overreach. No matter how Phoenix constructs its offer, this is a deal New York will never accept.
Potential Trade Proposal
New York Knicks Receive: Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns Receive: Karl-Anthony Towns, 2025 First-Round Pick (WAS)
Losing Karl-Anthony Towns And A First-Round Pick Is Not Ideal
The idea of the Knicks parting with Karl-Anthony Towns just months after acquiring him is not only unrealistic, but it’s completely unnecessary. The former No. 1 overall pick has fit in seamlessly alongside Jalen Brunson, giving the Knicks an offensive inside-out presence they previously lacked.
While he isn’t the defensive anchor that Mitchell Robinson is, Towns’ ability to space the floor at the five has allowed the Knicks to maximize their offensive potential. Trading him for Kevin Durant, who is 11 years older and carrying more mileage than ever, would be a significant overpay.
Beyond just Towns, surrendering a first-round pick adds insult to injury. The Knicks have been methodical in building up their draft assets, and while they aren’t opposed to moving picks for the right star, this isn’t the deal to do it. Durant remains elite, but he’s also heading toward the twilight of his career, and his ability to stay healthy is a constant question mark.
Meanwhile, Towns is still in his prime and under contract long-term, making him a much more stable building block than Durant at this stage. The Knicks are finally a contender, and sacrificing one of their best players and a valuable pick for an aging superstar would be a step backward.
Additionally, the Knicks have already proved they can compete at a high level with this core. They are currently a top-four team in the East and could realistically push for the NBA Finals this year. There is no pressing need to make a desperation move, especially not one that weakens their foundation. If they’re going to make a blockbuster trade, it should be a move that solidifies their future, not one that ties them to a 36-year-old with an injury history.
A Better Package Would Involve OG Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson, And Future Draft Picks
If the Knicks were genuinely interested in pursuing Durant, they have other ways to construct a deal—ones that don’t involve sending away Towns, who is arguably their second-most important player. A much more sensible package would be centered around OG Anunoby and Mitchell Robinson, alongside a mix of draft capital.
Potential Trade Proposal
New York Knicks Receive: Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns Receive: OG Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson, 2025 First-Round Pick (WAS), 2030 First-Round Pick Swap (NYK), 2025 Second-Round Pick (DET), 2028 Second-Round Pick (IND/PHX)
Anunoby is a perfect trade chip—an elite defender, a solid three-point shooter, and still young enough to fit Phoenix’s timeline. Pairing him with Robinson, a dominant shot-blocker and elite rebounder, would give the Suns a defensive identity they sorely lack.
The addition of multiple picks, such as the 2025 first-round pick from Washington, a 2030 first-round swap, and a couple of second-rounders, would help satisfy Phoenix’s need for future assets. While it wouldn’t be the overwhelming haul they might hope for, it’s certainly a fairer balance considering Durant’s age and declining durability.
It also allows the Knicks to upgrade without gutting their most vital pieces. Losing Anunoby would hurt, but given the Knicks’ wing depth with Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart, it’s a loss they could survive.
From Phoenix’s perspective, this deal might still work because they add two elite defenders to allow Booker and Beal to handle the scoring. The Suns may push for more draft picks, but if New York truly wants to pursue Durant, this is the kind of trade that makes more sense for both sides.
New York Could Make A Reasonably Strong Push For KD If They Falter In 2025 Playoffs
As it stands, the Knicks don’t need Durant. They have a legitimate shot to reach the Eastern Conference Finals, and if everything clicks, they could even make a run at the title.
But if they fall short—especially if their offense sputters in a deep playoff series—it wouldn’t be shocking to see them re-evaluate their roster construction. Durant may not be an ideal fit right now, but if the Knicks determine that another elite scorer is the missing piece, they could be more inclined to make a move.
The biggest factor will be how Towns performs in the postseason. If he thrives and proves to be the No. 2 star Brunson needs, there’s no reason to shake things up. Even if he struggles, the Knicks should only consider a Durant trade if the cost is reasonable and it truly moves the needle toward championship contention.
Right now, they are already a legitimate contender, and there’s no reason to break up a winning formula. But if they come up short and believe Durant is the missing link, they might entertain a deal, just not one that involves Karl-Anthony Towns.
