Why Kevin Durant Trade Will Not Suit New York Knicks? Analyzing Eastern Conference Finalist’s Need
Hopes were high with the ‘fully healthy’ New York Knicks showing flashes of a championship-caliber team in the 2024-25 NBA postseason. Madison Square Garden was buzzing until Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers choked them in the Eastern Conference finals. This was unimaginable, especially after winning over the defending champions Boston Celtics. Maybe injury to Tatum played some part in the Knicks’ 4-2 series win, but the players did well to rock the TD Garden. Now, after Tom Thibodeau’s departure, fans are waiting for new faces on the roster, and Kevin Durant is one name strongly liked with the Knicks.
Durant, at 37, is still an elite scorer and has championship experience. The star has carried the Nets on his back, though he failed to deliver a title, his performances at the Barclays Center kept him at the top of the pecking order of the current crop of NBA players. Joining the 2021 NBA finalist, the Suns, Durant hoped for his third and the franchise’s first title. But failed to reach the promised land.
With a young and deep Knicks roster, he could get a chance to win a title before retiring, and the New York franchise will have their bonafide superstar to lead them to a Championship after a 5-decade wait. But is this deal worth risking for the Knicks?
Also Read: Kevin Durant Trade: Suns Ready to ‘Lower’ Price to Offload Star Forward Before 2025 NBA Draft
Kevin Durant Doesn’t Fit in the New York Knicks’ Needs
Going through the Knicks’ 2024-25 season, the side had delivered multiple promising outings behind their Clutch player of the season, Jalen Brunson. Trading for Karl Anthony-Towns was a big gamble that seemed to pay off well for the Knicks. But in the postseason, the team’s lapses were clearly visible, with the side finishing runner-up in the conference finals.
They might have fired the HC, but the actual issues are yet to be addressed. Lack of consistent perimeter shooter and defender, support to Brunson’s offensive game play around the rim and defensive stability. Three key areas the Knicks need to work on if they don’t want to wait for another decade for a championship.
Now Durant might solve their offensive requirement, but his trade package is massive. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst brought up that possibility but added that the Knicks might have to give away KAT or three role players to match Durant’s pay. Losing KAT will make a big vacuum close n the paint area, and the Suns struggled with a similar situation trading Ayton for KD.
Also, with the possibility of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s availability in the market (though he has not made his stance clear at the moment) Knicks will now have to focus on getting a Head Coach first and build the team according to his vision.
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