Kevin Durant has always been one of the NBA’s most enigmatic superstars — a generational scorer, a two-time Finals MVP, and someone who never shies away from big decisions. From his surprising move to Golden State in 2016 to his decision to join the Brooklyn Nets and then his midseason trade to the Phoenix Suns in 2023, KD’s career has been defined as much by his on-court brilliance as by his bold career choices.
But now, another chapter could be forming. According to reports, the New York Knicks made a serious offer for Durant at the 2024 NBA trade deadline — a move that hinted at their championship aspirations. The Suns didn’t pull the trigger, but what followed for both franchises has stirred conversations about whether Durant might revisit the possibility of playing in Madison Square Garden.
After seeing how the Knicks’ season unfolded, and how things unraveled for Phoenix, the question looms large: Could Kevin Durant head to the Knicks this offseason?
The Knicks Made Their Move
At the February 2024 trade deadline, the Knicks — already one of the Eastern Conference’s top teams — reportedly offered a significant package for Kevin Durant. It included young talent, multiple first-round picks, and salary-matching veterans. At the time, it was seen as a bold but reasonable gamble. With Jalen Brunson ascending into All-NBA territory and Julius Randle and OG Anunoby providing a tough, two-way presence, adding Durant could’ve made New York instant title favorites.
Phoenix declined the offer, banking on their “Big Three” of Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal to find rhythm and make a deep playoff run. The decision, in hindsight, didn’t pay off.
What Happened After the Deadline
After the deadline, the Knicks surged. Despite injuries — most notably to Randle and Anunoby — the team rallied around Brunson’s brilliance and Tom Thibodeau’s defensive system. Brunson elevated his play to superstar levels, leading the Knicks to a top-4 seed in the East and an electric playoff run that reignited MSG’s legendary atmosphere.
New York fell short of the Finals, but their resilience, depth, and chemistry made them one of the league’s most respected teams. With a core that includes Brunson, Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, Mitchell Robinson, and a well-managed cap sheet, the Knicks positioned themselves as a team just one superstar away from true contention.
Meanwhile, the Suns collapsed. Injuries, poor depth, and chemistry issues plagued their season. Despite Durant’s strong individual numbers — averaging over 27 points per game on efficient shooting — the team failed to cohere, eventually bowing out in the first round of the playoffs.
The contrast between the two teams could not have been more stark. One had momentum, youth, and system continuity. The other looked stale, top-heavy, and without a clear direction.
Why KD Might Consider New York Now
Durant has never played in Madison Square Garden as a home player — something fans in New York have long dreamed of. In 2019, the Knicks were widely expected to be his free-agent destination, only for him to choose the Nets instead. That move now feels like a misstep, with the Brooklyn experiment ending in disarray and zero conference finals appearances.
Now 36 years old and still chasing another title, Durant may be running out of time. The Knicks represent a compelling opportunity for multiple reasons:
- A Ready-Made Contender: With Brunson playing at an MVP-caliber level and a tough, defensive-minded roster around him, Durant would be joining a team that doesn’t need him to carry them — just to elevate them.
- Basketball Legacy: Winning a title in New York would be legacy-defining. No Knicks championship since 1973. If Durant were to help deliver one, it would cement his status as one of the all-time greats.
- Personal Motivation: KD has always cared about basketball culture, history, and legacy. There’s no bigger stage, no louder fanbase, and no more iconic arena than MSG.
- A Better Fit: Unlike Phoenix, where he shares the floor with two other high-usage scorers in Booker and Beal, New York offers clearer offensive hierarchy. He could coexist smoothly with Brunson and play within a system that values ball movement and defense.
Challenges to a Move
Of course, a potential move isn’t without complications.
- Salary Cap & Trade Mechanics: Durant is under contract through 2026, so a trade would be required. While the Knicks have the assets — picks, young talent like Quentin Grimes, and matching salaries — Phoenix would need to be motivated to move on.
- Durant’s Reputation: Fair or not, KD has taken criticism for “team hopping.” Leaving Phoenix after just a season and a half could open him up to more of the same. Still, at this point in his career, chasing the right fit and a legitimate chance to win may outweigh media narratives.
- Injury Risk: Durant has dealt with various injuries in recent years. Any team trading for him must weigh the risk of health issues impacting his availability, especially as he gets older.
The Stars Might Be Aligning
NBA history has a way of writing itself through the summer. Big moves that once seemed unlikely often become inevitable in retrospect. Durant to the Knicks felt impossible five months ago, but now? It feels plausible — maybe even likely if both sides see the writing on the wall.
With the Knicks looking to build on a promising season and Durant potentially realizing that Phoenix isn’t the place to finish his career, the timing might be perfect.
Don’t be surprised if, come opening night of the 2025-26 season, Kevin Durant walks into Madison Square Garden — not as a visitor, but as the newest piece in the Knicks’ championship puzzle.
