The New York Knicks’ next head coach could play a major role in which NBA superstar they target in the offseason.
Even after the firing of Tom Thibodeau, the job is not finished for the front office of the Knicks following an Eastern Conference Finals exit in the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
On one hand, there are major expectations from star center Karl-Anthony Towns to improve his defense before the 2025-26 season. But on the other hand, the Knicks may focus on an entirely different route.
What’s that? Well, it could be trading for either the Phoenix Suns’ Kevin Durant or the Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo. But which superstar should the Knicks pursue? NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins has an answer.
On a recent segment of NBA on ESPN, Perkins dissected the Knicks being linked to Durant and Antetokounmpo.
Big Perk believes the Knicks should trade for Antetokounmpo over Durant as there are too many intricacies that need to be managed for the latter.
“There are too many fill-in-the-blanks if you go get Kevin Durant. You’ve got to get the right coach, who’s the coach going to be? That matters,” Perkins said.
He added: “That doesn’t matter with a guy like Giannis Antetokounmpo.”
While Perkins may have made it sound simple, the reality is far from it. After all, Giannis is in the prime of his career and would require the Knicks to put together a massive trade package to acquire him.
On the other hand, KD is in the twilight years of his career. Hence, the price will be low for the 2x NBA champ if the Suns are open to it.
After his initial take on the KD-Giannis choice, Perkins presented a solution. He believes that if the Knicks hire Jason Kidd as the team’s next head coach, the organization can then trade for either star.
“If you’re able to get a Jason Kidd, that might change a little bit, because KD respects him, but I think the Knicks are still in a great position with the team that they have,” Perkins stated.
Perkins still advises the Knicks to avoid going all-in for Durant. However, he doesn’t believe the franchise needs to follow his advice if they pursue the Greek Freak.
“I wouldn’t go all out. But if I could move a few little pieces to try to get him I would – but I would go all out for Giannis,” Perkins concluded.
For context, Durant averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game last season, while Antetokounmpo contributed 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game.
