Knicks Reevaluate Team Direction Following Coaching Change
In the wake of Tom Thibodeau’s dismissal as head coach, the New York Knicks are gearing up to not only find a suitable replacement but also rethink their team composition for the upcoming season. Speculation is rampant that the Knicks could reignite their interest in acquiring Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns.
Previous Trade Discussions
This interest seems not to be new, as recently disclosed by ESPN analyst Shams Charania, who noted that the Knicks had active discussions concerning a trade for Durant prior to the last NBA trade deadline. During a segment on “NBA Today,” Charania remarked:
“There was some mutual interest between the Knicks and Kevin Durant at the trade deadline. The Knicks made an offer for Kevin Durant at the NBA trade deadline. Obviously, there was no Kevin Durant trade.”
Roster Implications of Durant’s Salary
As the Suns embark on a significant roster overhaul under new general manager Brian Gregory and head coach Jordan Ott, moving Durant’s hefty salary, which stands at $54.7 million for the upcoming season, will likely be a requirement. From the Knicks’ perspective, the addition of a high-caliber player like Durant could complement their recent success, finishing the last season with a notable 51 wins and advancing to the Eastern Conference finals.
Alternative Trade Options
The Knicks could also explore alternatives such as Karl-Anthony Towns, whose salary for next season is projected at $53.1 million. However, Towns is tied to a contractual commitment for at least two more years, with his earnings potentially totaling $118 million. Similarly, Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks presents another appealing, albeit complicated, option, with an impending salary of $54.1 million.
Charania emphasized that the Knicks currently need to bolster their roster depth, a challenge that a move for Durant could complicate. In a recent trade, the Knicks sacrificed five first-round draft picks for Mikal Bridges, indicating a limited pool of resources for further acquisitions. This concern is echoed by the Suns as they navigate similar issues following their recent acquisitions of both Durant and Bradley Beal.
Future Trade Considerations
There is currently no information on the specific terms the Knicks proposed to Phoenix for Durant, but leading up to the deadline, trade rumors suggested that the Suns were contemplating a deal with the Golden State Warriors, only for Durant to reportedly express his unwillingness to return to his former team.
