The New York Knicks could break up their core of stars following an Eastern Conference Finals exit in the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
If the New York Knicks go ahead with this plan, they will likely trade for a superstar-caliber player. Someone like Kevin Durant or Giannis Antetokounmpo would fit this description.
Even more so with Durant and Antetokounmpo expected to be among the top trade targets for the upcoming offseason. But is it really wise to break up their core for an aging Durant?
Even at 36 years old, Durant remains one of the best players in the league. Individually, he had an excellent season with the Phoenix Suns.
Despite that, Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce advises the Knicks to stay away from Durant’s sweepstakes heading into the offseason.
“I’m just saying, what are you giving up? They lose two significant pieces, it’s going away from the mold of what we’re seeing today in the NBA Finals, a team, two teams, with depth,” Pierce said on SPEAK.
He added: “I probably wouldn’t go that route if it has to cost me too many pieces. And it’s still a lateral move for me.”
In simple terms, Pierce believes gutting the roster for an aging superstar like Durant would be a terrible decision. After all, both OKC Thunder and Indiana Pacers, the two teams in the NBA Finals, have one thing in common – roster depth.
This isn’t the first time that the Slim Reaper has been linked to The Big Apple. The NBA rumor mill was full of potential KD to Knicks trade proposals when he left the Golden State Warriors in 2019.
At the time, Durant chose the Brooklyn Nets over the Knicks. In fact, Durant defended his decision by describing the Knicks as ‘not cool to play for.’
There is a chance that Durant’s thoughts on the Knicks have now changed as the roster is much better. But the issue is if the organization gives up too much for Durant, they’ll be back at square one.
That’s why the likes of Pierce and Kendrick Perkins don’t want the Knicks to trade for Durant this offseason.
