BREAKING: Proposed Mega Trade Sends NBA Star to Knicks for $177 Million Combo
Rumors of Kevin Durant joining the New York Knicks persist, especially with the franchise’s recent upswing. Zach Buckley from Bleacher Report has proposed several potential trades to stir up the NBA this offseason.
One major trade idea suggests the Knicks send a significant package to the Phoenix Suns to acquire Durant. The trade would involve New York parting with Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson, who would headline the offer.
Additionally, the Knicks would include fan favorite Miles McBride, the No. 24 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, and two future first-round picks (2025 and 2028). The 2025 first-round pick, via the Wizards, would be top-10 protected. In return, the Knicks would land Durant, who would join Jalen Brunson and the Nova Knicks core.
Let’s analyze whether this trade makes sense for both the Suns and the Knicks.
For the Knicks, acquiring Durant would significantly boost their chances of contending in the Eastern Conference. Pairing Durant with Brunson and the rest of the team’s strong core could create a formidable lineup. However, the cost is steep, as they would lose key players and future assets.
For the Suns, the trade offers depth and future potential. Randle and Robinson could fill important roles, while McBride and the draft picks provide long-term benefits. The Suns would need to weigh the immediate impact of losing Durant against the potential for a more balanced and deeper roster.
Overall, this trade proposal offers intriguing possibilities for both teams, though it would require careful consideration of the short-term and long-term impacts on each franchise.
NBA Trade Proposal Has the Knicks Landing Kevin Durant for Julius Randle & Mitchell Robinson Package
Despite missing out on New York’s playoff run, Randle has appeared in back-to-back All-Star games. The star’s four-year, $117 million contract has two seasons left on it.
Craig Carton suggests that Kevin Durant could be headed to the Knicks next year…
(via @TheCartonShow) pic.twitter.com/2czvpcwgsx
— KnicksMuse (@KnicksMuse) April 24, 2024
Randle may become a free agent as early as 2025 according to a player option. Robinson is under contract for four years, $60 million, which expires in 2025–2026. He has two seasons left on his deal.
Durant’s four-year, $194 million contract would mean the Knicks would inherit two more seasons from the superstar. Durant’s 2024–25 salary cap hit is a substantial $51.1 million.
The Suns Have Given No Indication the Team Wants to Deal Kevin Durant
Publicly, the Phoenix Suns have remained firm on keeping their core trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal intact. However, their inflated payroll didn’t translate to playoff success this season, as they failed to secure a single win.
Rich Kleiman: “Do me a favor, clear up something you said 5 years ago, and admit the Knicks are cool”
Kevin Durant: “At that time they weren’t, the Knicks weren’t cool ..but they are a cool brand. Like right now, they popin right now, last few years they’ve been playing well”… pic.twitter.com/o2o2PRj7qx
— Knicks Nation (@KnicksNation) February 20, 2024
Zach Buckley, in his June 19, 2024 article “NBA Trade Block Big Board: New Trade Ideas for Top 10 Targets,” noted, “If a megastar gets moved this summer—and that’s always a massive if—Durant seems like the most realistic possibility.”
Buckley elaborated, “The Suns would still have a star at the forward spot with Randle, would gain an above-the-rim interior presence with Robinson and would fill the functional-floor-general void with McBride. They’d also add three first-round picks to their depleted draft stash, giving them enough flexibility to go looking for even more on the trade market.”
For the Knicks, acquiring Durant would finally bring the superstar to New York and provide the offensive support Jalen Brunson often lacked during their playoff run.
The Suns, on the other hand, would benefit from the depth and future assets. Randle could maintain star power at the forward position, Robinson would bolster their interior defense, and McBride could handle point guard duties. Additionally, the three first-round picks would replenish their draft capital, allowing them to further explore the trade market for additional improvements.
What Would the Knicks Be Getting in a Trade for Suns Superstar Kevin Durant?
"Because I am so confident that Kevin Durant is going to the Knicks, this is not a lottery where the whole franchise is relying on these ping pong balls. The Knicks are going to be in a better position than they've been in since 1985 no matter what." — @getnickwright pic.twitter.com/44aHCKJxvO
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) May 14, 2019
In the past, Durant infamously rejected the Knicks in order to join Kyrie Irving on the Brooklyn Nets. For Durant, it was a choice that did not exactly pay off.
How much longer does the superstar have to play at this point in his career is the issue facing New York and any other team considering a possible deal for Durant. In 75 starts last season, Durant averaged 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 41.3%.
Based on his performance, it appears that Durant still has a lot to offer the Knicks or any other team. While Durant managed to stay healthy in the previous season, he missed a lot of time in four seasons in a row before 2023–2024.