It’s been 50+ years since the Knicks last held up a championship banner, and they’re clearly tired of waiting. After two straight second-round exits, New York’s front office went into “win now” mode, bringing in Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns. But if this playoff run ends in more disappointment? Don’t rule out another bold move. HoopsHype reported that the Knicks could revisit a potential trade for Kevin Durant—yeah, KD.
He’s already had a messy NYC chapter with the Nets, but crossing over to the Garden could give him a clean slate. And let’s be real, the idea of pairing Durant with Jalen Brunson and KAT? That sounds like a legit title-contending trio.
But ESPN‘s Brian Windhorst thinks fans might want to hit pause on those dreams, at least for now.
Appearing on the Stephen A. Smith Show, Windhorst explained that it’s too early to predict Durant’s next move, especially with the playoffs just kicking off. “Before I answer this, I just want to say it’s going to be hard to read the Durant situation until we see the playoffs play out,” Windhorst said. “You could see a team surprise lose in the first or second round and wake up in midday and say, ‘We are Kevin Durant away from winning it.’ So the market for him in a month could be different than now.”
Feb 12, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) and Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) reach for a loose ball in the second half at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
While he admitted that the $7.5 billion worth Knicks are an “interesting” destination, Windhorst expressed confusion over why KD didn’t join them in the first place back in 2019. “In my opinion, I’ve never understood why Kevin Durant didn’t go to the Knicks in 2019 and instead went to the Nets,” he said. “I get what they were building in Brooklyn was compelling… I’ve heard what he said about that. I don’t understand why you wouldn’t go to the Knicks.”. Although, a reunion with James Harden and a chance to play alongside one of the best handlers, Kyrie Irving? That’s something you wouldn’t want to pass on.
Windhorst didn’t stop there—he also questioned how much control Durant still has over his NBA fate. “Durant has gone on the record with Draymond Green saying, ‘I want to control my destiny.’” But even he wasn’t willing to assume anything yet, warning that reading too much into potential trades now would be getting “out over your skis.”
Stephen A. Smith, on the other hand, didn’t hold back. He challenged Durant’s current status in the league and how much sway he really holds after years of early playoff exits. “He can’t have control now,” Smith said bluntly. “He’s lost most of the control—or at least he should—because they haven’t won. No way to slice it. He’s been swept twice, he’s been out in the first round, and went to the semifinals about one time over the last five years. That’s what his career has been since he left and went to Brooklyn.”
Smith wasn’t exaggerating. During KD’s stint with the Nets, Brooklyn made just one meaningful playoff push in 2021, when they fell in a dramatic seven-game series to the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round. The following year, the Nets were swept in the first round by the Celtics. In 2023, after a turbulent stretch with Kyrie Irving and James Harden in and out of the lineup, Durant was traded mid-season to the Suns—leaving Brooklyn without a deep playoff run to show for its superstar experiment.
But let’s see how kindly does the Slim Reaper take to his words, after he called him a “clown” in an interview with the Athletic last November. So while the Knicks could make a pitch for Durant depending on how things shake out this summer, the ball isn’t really in their court.
Meanwhile, there’s another squad quietly building momentum—Houston. And they’re not just sniffing around. They want in.
The Rockets want Kevin Durant
After a brutal 36-46 season, the Suns are officially blowing it up. First move? Mike Budenholzer’s out after just one year. That’s three coaches in three seasons. Not a great look.
But that’s just the beginning. Kevin Durant might be next.
Shams Charania reports the Suns are now open to trade talks involving KD. They’re also reassessing Bradley Beal’s future. Despite the chaos in Phoenix, Durant still had a killer season. No surprise—teams are already circling. The Suns plan to work closely with KD and his longtime business partner, Rich Kleiman, on finding the right landing spot.
Jan 29, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) with guard Bradley Beal (3) and Devin Booker (1) against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
One team that’s locked in? The Houston Rockets. Yeah, I did a double take too. But it actually makes sense.
They just finished second in the West with a 52-30 record. With a stash of draft picks (especially those linked to the Phoenix Suns), plus a mix of young talent and solid vets, the Rockets are in a prime position to make a blockbuster move. And let’s be real—Durant in Houston? That’d shake up the West in a heartbeat.
A proposed deal could involve Houston getting Kevin Durant, while Phoenix gets Dillon Brooks, Reed Sheppard, Cam Whitmore, Jock Landale, and their own 2025 and 2027 first-round picks back.
For the Rockets, this is a massive win. They get a proven offensive anchor in KD without gutting their young core—Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, and possibly Fred VanVleet (if that team option is picked up) stay put. Add Durant to that mix, and suddenly you’re looking at a legit playoff squad with serious upside.
As for the Suns, this deal helps them hit reset without falling apart. Getting back those crucial draft picks gives them future flexibility, while young guns like Sheppard and Whitmore bring major potential. Throw in Dillon Brooks for defense and edge, and Phoenix stays competitive while planning ahead.
Bottom line? This trade balances “win now” for Houston and “retool smart” for Phoenix. If KD’s even remotely available, the Rockets should be first in line.
Forget New York. If KD wants another shot at a title, H-Town might be calling his name.
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