Kevin Durant continues to have interest in joining the New York Knicks, six years after choosing the Brooklyn Nets over Manhattan’s franchise as a free agent in 2019 when he left the Golden State Warriors.
“I definitely think he’s got interest in the Knicks,” said Brian Windhorst. “He’s had interest in the Knicks going back six or seven years when he was a free agent in 2019. He chose the Nets, but he’s got interest in the Knicks.”
Any potential trade would require significant roster restructuring for New York. The Knicks would need to move multiple key pieces to match Durant’s $55 million salary.
Windhorst outlined the challenging mathematics behind a potential Durant acquisition. The trade would likely involve either Karl-Anthony Towns or multiple rotation players.
“The reality is this: you’re either trading an in your prime All-NBA player under long-term controlled contract in Karl Towns, or to make the math work and make it a legal trade, you’re probably trading three rotation players. Two high-level rotation players like an OG Anunoby and a Mitchell Robinson.”
The Knicks already face depth concerns across their roster. Trading multiple rotation pieces could leave significant gaps in their rotation.
“So the Knicks are already short on rotation players,” said Windhorst. “You have to look at if, if you’re the Knicks, if on the other side of trading for a $55 million player, are you ready to compete for the whole thing now. Instantly.”
The Suns are looking to trade Durant after they acquired him from Brooklyn in February 2023. In addition to the Knicks’ interest, the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves and Miami Heat are engaged with the Suns on Durant.