The New York Knicks have never shied away from chasing superstars, and their latest blockbuster attempt proves it: a reported trade offer for Phoenix Suns’ 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant before the 2025 NBA trade deadline. Despite mutual interest, the deal fell through, but the Knicks’ willingness to shake up their roster—potentially involving Karl-Anthony Towns—has sparked intense speculation. With Jalen Brunson leading a talented core, could Durant’s arrival have propelled New York to a championship? This article dives into the trade’s details, its challenges, and what it means for the Knicks’ offseason plans.
The Knicks’ Blockbuster Ambitions: Chasing a Legend
The Knicks, under team president Leon Rose, have been aggressive in building a contender. After acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges in 2024, New York reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 2024-25, their best run in 25 years. Yet, a six-game loss to the Indiana Pacers exposed gaps in their roster. Sensing an opportunity, Rose reportedly made a bold offer for Kevin Durant, the 36-year-old Suns superstar, as Phoenix struggled through a disappointing season.
Durant, a two-time NBA champion and 2014 MVP, remains a scoring machine, averaging 27.1 points on 52.3% shooting in 2024-25 despite Phoenix’s 41-41 record. His $51.2 million salary posed a challenge, but the mutual interest between Durant and the Knicks suggests Rose saw a chance to land a game-changer at a discounted price. With Jalen Brunson untouchable and Bridges and OG Anunoby critical for defense, Rose faced a complex puzzle to make the trade work financially and strategically.
The Trade’s Logistics: A Tough Financial Puzzle
Accommodating Durant’s massive salary would have required significant sacrifices. Brunson, the Knicks’ heart and soul with 28.7 points and 6.7 assists per game, was off-limits. Bridges and Anunoby, elite defenders who anchored New York’s playoff run, were likely too valuable to move. Combining Josh Hart ($18.1 million) and Mitchell Robinson ($14.4 million) would have reached $32.5 million—still $18.7 million short of Durant’s cap hit.
This gap points to Karl-Anthony Towns as the most logical trade piece. Acquired from Minnesota in 2024, Towns averaged 22.8 points and 10.9 rebounds but struggled defensively in the playoffs. According to The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III and Fred Katz, teammates and coaches grew frustrated with Towns’ inconsistent defensive coverages and lack of communication, raising doubts about his fit. Trading Towns less than a year after acquiring him would have been a stunner, but Rose’s willingness to explore such a move signals an all-in mentality. A multi-team deal involving a third or fourth team could have balanced the salaries, but the complexity likely derailed negotiations.
Why Durant? The Case for a Superstar Addition
Durant’s fit with the Knicks is tantalizing. His scoring versatility—capable of dropping 30 points on any given night—would complement Brunson’s playmaking and Bridges’ two-way prowess. At 6’11”, Durant’s ability to space the floor (41.3% from three in 2024-25) and defend multiple positions would address New York’s playoff shortcomings. Under a new coach replacing Tom Thibodeau, Durant could thrive in a system tailored to his strengths, potentially forming a Big Three with Brunson and Bridges.
The mutual interest is telling. Durant, a Brooklyn native, has long been linked to New York, and his frustration with Phoenix’s direction (missing the playoffs in 2025) made him a trade candidate. For the Knicks, landing Durant could have elevated them above Eastern Conference rivals like Boston and Philadelphia, positioning them as title favorites. However, Durant’s age (36) and injury history—missing 97 games over the past four seasons—raise questions about the long-term cost of such a move.
The Aftermath: Towns’ Struggles and New York’s Next Steps
Towns’ defensive lapses in the playoffs, described as a “theme” of incorrect coverages and poor communication, have put his future in question. While his offensive output (56.1% effective field goal percentage) remains elite, his defensive shortcomings clashed with Thibodeau’s system, contributing to the coach’s firing. The Knicks now face a critical offseason, with a new coaching voice and roster decisions looming.
Rose’s openness to trading Towns suggests flexibility. If New York believes a new coach can unlock Towns’ potential, they may keep him. Alternatively, revisiting a Durant trade—or targeting another superstar—could be on the table. The Knicks’ deep roster, including Anunoby, Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo, gives Rose options to pursue upgrades without gutting the core. With $30 million in cap space projected for 2025-26, New York could also chase free agents to complement Brunson and Bridges.
What’s Next for the Knicks?
The failed Durant trade underscores Rose’s aggressive approach. Missing the Finals despite a strong season has lit a fire under the organization, and the mutual interest with Durant suggests New York remains a destination for stars. However, the financial and roster constraints of such a deal highlight the challenges of building a superteam. If the Knicks pivot to smaller moves—perhaps trading Hart or Robinson for a defensive big or adding a veteran via free agency—they can still contend. But the allure of a player like Durant, even at 36, keeps the blockbuster dream alive.
The Knicks’ audacious offer for Kevin Durant before the 2025 trade deadline proves they’re all-in on building a championship roster. While the deal didn’t materialize, the mutual interest and willingness to consider trading Karl-Anthony Towns signal New York’s ambition. With Jalen Brunson leading the charge and a new coach on the horizon, the Knicks are poised for a transformative offseason. Will they revisit a Durant trade or find another path to the title? Knicks fans are buzzing, and the NBA is watching closely for New York’s next big move.