As it always goes with the NBA media calendar, once teams suffer an ugly playoff exit, they will be engulfed in off-season rumors before the rest of the postseason has even played out. Well, the New York Knicks are in that position after their disappointing six-game defeat to the Indiana Pacers. Indiana is deadlocked in a 1-1 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, but news is swirling around the sport about a variety of Knicks topics.
Despite an immensely successful campaign in which NY reached its first Conference Finals in 25 years, it seems that everyone is ready to break up the band already. Head coach Tom Thibodeau was already let go, much to the chagrin of many people around basketball. It was only year one of the core that Leon Rose so carefully constructed, and they had a tremendous season. However, there’s always room to improve. Rose just better make sure he doesn’t go backwards with any moves this summer.
Should the Knicks Trade For Kevin Durant?
Naturally, one of the names with the most buzz regarding a Knicks trade is NBA legend Kevin Durant. The 36-year-old is almost certain to be dealt by the reeling Phoenix Suns, whose future is arguably the bleakest in the league. They need to recoup some assets by moving one of their only desirable players still on the roster. Durant has been in the NBA since 2007-08 and is entering his 19th season. His next team will likely be the final chapter in a storied career that will land him in the top twenty players of all-time when he hangs ’em up. Durant’s last act will undoubtedly be enthralling to watch, but it should not come at Madison Square Garden.
Acquiring Durant Would be a Disaster For New York
There have been several reports that Leon Rose has had his eyes on Durant coming to the Mecca for some time now, even considering a midseason trade for KD at this past trade deadline. While I find it unlikely that Rose’s intentions would be leaked to the media, as he is a tight-lipped executive who seems to always throw us a curveball, it is plausible that New York could consider trading for Durant as a ceiling-raising move for a team that was two wins away from the NBA Finals. A trade for the veteran superstar would condense their timeline, but could make the team better. Or at least more talented on paper (a theme for Durant’s second half of his career).
Shams —
“The Knicks made an offer for Kevin Durant at the deadline.”
(h/t @awfulannouncing)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 5, 2025
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Durant is Old, Expensive, and Not Worth It
There are several reasons why the Knicks must not fall prey to old habits and purchase the flashy toy. They have a checkered history of making impulsive acquisitions for name value rather than methodically building a roster that can compete consistently. In 2019, they tried to sign Durant and Kyrie Irving to max deals despite numerous red flags. That they failed in their pursuit turned out to be one of the turning points in the franchise’s history.
Rose has since constructed an elite team that has won a playoff series in three consecutive years by doing the opposite of splash deals. In 2016, they paired a declining Derrick Rose with a declining Carmelo Anthony to form a “Big Three” with Kristaps Porzingis. It didn’t go well. They’ve brought in other old players, like Tracy McGrady, in a cheap attempt to speed-run contention. New York better learn their lesson this time around.
Now, Durant is a far better player than any of NY’s past mistakes, even entering his age-37 season. He’s still a top-five scorer in basketball and is one of the most efficient guys in the league. He’s a plug-and-play superstar who can operate on and off the ball. Durant is still a plus defender with versatility. So, why should New York refuse to even consider him? Well, he’s going into his 19th NBA season. He’ll be 37 on opening night. Even worse, he’s owed $54.7M in 2025-26, and will likely want to sign at least a two-year max extension in his new home, taking him through 2026-27 at the earliest. I don’t want any part of a 39-year-old Durant making $60M a year, even if he stays healthy, which is a prayer at this point.
KD Hasn’t Led to Winning in Years
Furthermore, it will cost the Knicks a ton to acquire him. Phoenix knows that if they’re not trading franchise icon Devin Booker, Durant is their last chance at acquiring assets for the future. They will likely have multiple bidders for the legend, driving up the asking price. NY would have to part ways with Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, or Karl-Anthony Towns, as well as draft compensation. Considering his age and contract, I’m not sure Durant is a more valuable asset than any of the three individually. He’s certainly not worth breaking up the core and parting with their last available draft capital to bring him in.
I don’t blame Durant for all of his failures since leaving the Warriors, and no one should. Remarkably, he’s returned to superstar status for a half-decade-plus post-Achilles tear. However, it cannot be ignored that he’s won just two playoff series in the past five campaigns. Or that he’s been swept twice and missed the playoffs in 2025 despite healthy seasons from him and Booker. He clearly doesn’t contribute to winning like he used to, regardless of what the numbers say. There is no reason to drastically shrink the Knicks’ timeline in exchange for an aging superstar who guarantees nothing.
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