The New York Knicks are reportedly included in Kevin Durant’s list of favored landing spots. The experienced All-Star player is anticipated to be moved during the upcoming off-season.
As per Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale, securing Durant would probably necessitate including Karl-Anthony Towns in the trade. Last summer, the Knicks used up much of their tradable assets, particularly through the transaction aimed at obtaining Mikal Bridges, which depleted their available resources significantly.
Any scenario involving Kevin Durant joining the New York Knicks hinges on them wanting to part ways with Karl-Anthony Towns and the Suns (or another team) being interested. really Favale noted this in his writing. "Replacing Towns with Durant could potentially strengthen the defense, particularly if New York feels confident about keeping Mitchell Robinson fit (a very uncertain proposition), or if they have enough resources left to acquire another, more resilient big man."
Favale continued.
“Framed this way, the Knicks’ potential interest isn’t nearly as far-fetched as it initially seems. Would they be willing to make a semi-nuclear shift just one year into the KAT experience? And is he enough to serve as the primary anchor of a KD trade? Both are entirely separate matters.”
Towns is one of the best shooting big men in NBA history. He’s thrived throughout his first season in New York. It’s highly unlikely the front office would move on from Towns for an aging Durant.
Nevertheless, if adding Durant is viewed as the move to bring a championship to the franchise, the Knicks could explore their options.
Knicks Among Durant’s Favored Landing Spots
Based on ESPN’s Shams Charania , New York is one of a select few locations Durant would favor if the situation arises. Phoenix Suns decide to trade him.
“One thing to keep in mind, back at the NBA Trade Deadline in February, Minnesota, Miami, New York, San Antonio, and Houston were among the teams, I’m told, there was mutual interest between Durant and those teams,” Charania said. “I expect those teams and potentially others to be back in the fray this summer.”
Durant will enter the final year of his four-year $194 million deal Next season, he will be turning 37 years old. Thus, any team acquiring him would surely seek guarantees that he plans to sign an extension to prolong his time with the franchise.
Townships Have Flourished in New York
Although it is reasonable to consider Towns as the top potential trading option, the Knicks should seriously think about keeping the 29-year-old center. This season, in 68 games, Towns has been putting up averages of 24.3 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. His shooting percentages stand at 52.1% from the field and an impressive 42.4% from three-point range.
Moreover, Towns has developed a strong alliance with Jalen Brunson. As perCleaning The Glass, The Knicks are scoring 6.5 more points per 100 possessions when this pair plays together. Actually, New York’s offense is among the top 8% in the league as Brunson and Towns lead the charge.
Therefore, the Knicks need to explore alternative strategies to attract Durant to Madison Square Garden. If not, the franchise might be best served sticking with their current roster. This approach would allow them to benefit from a consistent lineup aimed at boosting their chances for a title run next season.
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