When you think of NBA superstars, Kevin Durant’s name is always near the top. A four-time scoring champion, two-time NBA champion, and former MVP, Durant has built a Hall of Fame résumé. Yet at 36 years old and with one year left on his contract, KD remains one of the league’s most intriguing trade—and free-agency—pieces. Recent buzz suggests the New York Knicks may be among the teams eyeing a blockbuster deal.
Why the Knicks Are Interested in Kevin Durant?
The Knicks, fresh off a season that fell just short of the NBA Finals, are on the hunt for that final superstar talent to push them over the top. With a looming coaching search after parting ways with Tom Thibodeau, New York is preparing to be aggressive this summer. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, “the Knicks are definitely a team that is gonna have some interest in Kevin Durant. There are going to be a handful of them.”
Landing KD would instantly upgrade New York’s ceiling. His ability to create his own shot, stretch the floor as a 3-point threat, and defend at a high level—even as he approaches age 37—makes him the kind of transformational talent that can tilt a franchise’s fortunes.
What It Would Take: The Karl-Anthony Towns Angle
Darling of trade speculation for weeks has been a one-for-one swap: Kevin Durant for Karl-Anthony Towns. Here’s the math:
- Durant’s 2025–26 salary: $54.7 million (one season)
- Towns’ contract: $53.1 million (2025–26), $57 million (2026–27), $61 million (2027–28)
Under NBA trade rules, swapping Towns’ cap hit straight up for Durant’s would work this season—but New York would send out three more rotation players if they wanted to match salaries without involving Towns. In Windhorst’s words, “the Knicks would have to trade three rotation players otherwise. Just keep that in mind when you dream of your Knicks trades.”
Trading three seasons of Towns for one season of Durant may seem lopsided, but the move frees up significant long-term salary, gives New York championship-ready star power for next season, and, crucially, lands a player who’s a certified closer in the biggest moments.
Kevin Durant’s All-Around Impact
Even as he nears the twilight of his career, Kevin Durant remains one of the league’s most efficient and dynamic scorers:
- 2024–25 averages: 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists per game
- True shooting percentage: Over 61% (among the league’s elite)
- Defensive versatility: Guards multiple positions, racks up blocks
Durant’s height (6’10”) and shooting touch make him virtually unguardable in isolation, while his playmaking and length help mask defensive weaknesses on less mobile lineups. Adding him to a roster that already features Julius Randle, Jalen Brunson, and emerging role players could create one of the East’s fiercest contenders.
Risks and Rewards
- Short-Term Boost
- Reward: Instant world-class talent under contract for 2025–26.
- Risk: Durant hits free agency in summer 2026—New York could lose him after one year.
- Financial Flexibility
- Reward: Offloading Towns’ escalating salary clears cap space long-term.
- Risk: Trading younger assets and multiple rotation players could deplete depth.
- Championship Window
- Reward: Durant’s championship pedigree could get New York over the hump.
- Risk: Injuries or chemistry issues could derail the title pursuit.
Looking Ahead: Free Agency and Beyond
If the Knicks don’t land Kevin Durant via trade, they could also chase him in free agency next summer. KD will be an unrestricted free agent in 2026, and New York’s combination of market, brand, and championship aspirations makes it a natural suitor. A one-year “show-me” deal giving Durant a chance to play without overcommitting long-term could appeal to both sides.
Final Thoughts
Kevin Durant remains one of basketball’s most coveted stars. For the Knicks, he represents the missing piece that could turn a near-miss into a championship run. But acquiring him won’t be simple—whether through the proposed Karl-Anthony Towns swap (plus additional rotation pieces) or a future free-agency bid, New York will have to weigh the risks of spending big now against the potential reward of lifting the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
As this offseason unfolds, keep one eye on the trade rumors and the other on KD’s future plans. In the ever-shifting NBA landscape, Kevin Durant still moves the needle more than almost anyone else.