Blockbuster NBA Trade Proposal Sends Suns’ Kevin Durant To Knicks

Shams Charania of ESPN reported on Thursday that the New York Knicks made an offer to the Phoenix Suns for Kevin Durant at the February trade deadline. 

The ESPN NBA insider also reported that Durant was interested in getting traded to the Knicks. 

With these two things in mind, Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report proposed that the Knicks trade Karl-Anthony Towns, Pacome Dadiet and a 2032 first-round pick to the Suns for Durant this offseason. 

“The Knicks already fired Tom Thibodeau after losing in the conference finals, but if they’re looking for another scapegoat, Towns has certainly gotten plenty of heat around the internet the last couple days,” Bailey wrote. “A sizable and vocal contingent of Knicks fans probably wouldn’t be too upset to see him moved, especially if it was for KD’s expiring contract.

“Part of the frustration with KAT is a contract that runs through 2027-28 and pays him $61 million that year (when he has a player option). This trade would obviously get the Knicks off the hook for most of that deal, while also landing them a bit more dynamic shot creator who’s more mobile on defense.”

Durant turns 37 in September. He’ll make $54,708,609 next season in the final year of his contract. 

One of the greatest players in NBA history, Durant averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists for the Suns this season while shooting 52.7% from the field, 43.0% from beyond the arc and 83.9% from the free-throw line.

Durant could have joined the Knicks in 2019. Instead, he and Kyrie Irving signed with the Brooklyn Nets.

KD hasn’t gotten back to the conference finals since leaving the Golden State Warriors, the franchise he won two rings and two Finals MVPs with. 

Durant has career averages of 27.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.4 assists with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Warriors, Brooklyn Nets and Suns. His final chapter with the Knicks would certainly be fun to watch.