After losing in the Eastern Conference Finals, the New York Knicks have been linked to Kevin Durant.
The New York Knicks, after falling short in the Eastern Conference Finals, have been linked to some premier trade candidates in an effort to bolster their roster.
Both Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo have been tied to New York, with Karl-Anthony Towns and his $53.1 million salary being enough to match in a trade for either star.
Earlier in the season, the Knicks allegedly made an offer for Durant, although the Phoenix Suns refused, hoping that their trio of Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal could right the ship.
The Knicks are still interested in adding Durant, although not everyone thinks that’s a good idea.
In the postseason (and for his entire career), Towns has been one of the best scoring big men in the NBA and an elite rebounder, although Towns’ defense has long been lacking.
In an effort to add some rim protection, the Knicks started Mitchell Robinson alongside Towns, and, should Towns be traded, Robinson will certainly take over as the full-time starting center.
Swapping Durant for Towns would do little to improve the Knicks, and New York might have to attach another asset to their All-NBA center to entice Phoenix.
“Whoever thinks it’s a good idea to trade Karl-Anthony Towns for Kevin Durant, go to bed,” declared Chris Mannix. “I love Kevin Durant, he’s 37 years old, and he’s going to want a new contract.”
A lineup of Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Durant, and Robinson, with Josh Hart coming off the bench, might help bolster the Knicks’ positional depth, although their starting lineup, for the most part, will have the same flaws.
Unlike Towns, Durant has been a versatile defender in the past, although after several injuries and 18 years in the league, he has started to slow down on the defensive end.
“And the days of Kevin Durant being a great two-way player, he’s still a great offensive player, but he is not a great two-way player anymore,” Mannix continued.
“Karl-Anthony Towns is a deeply flawed player, but he is a tremendous offensive player. You saw in the playoffs his ability to take over games down the stretch.
“The roster is not a problem, you are in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. You beat the healthy Boston Celtics. You were right there. If you hadn’t choked away Game 1, you might be right here in Oklahoma City.”
Even though New York fired head coach Tom Thibodeau, the roster is built to compete. The Knicks bested the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics in the playoffs, and with Boston, the Milwaukee Bucks, and Cleveland Cavaliers all expected to take a step back, New York could benefit from an entire offseason together.
Keep in mind, the Knicks added Towns days before the season tipped off. With an entire offseason to build chemistry and get practices in, New York is in a solid position to be at the top of the Eastern Conference next season.
Only the Pacers can feasibly stand in their way, and Indiana could lose Myles Turner to free agency.
However, by firing Thibodeau, the Knicks showed that they are open to making drastic moves, which is counterintuitive to the success they had this season.
After 26 years since their last Finals appearance, one would think that New York would be patient, but the moves they have already made and the trades they have been rumored to be interested in suggest otherwise.
