Breaking News: Just In New York Knicks Land Kevin Durant In A High-Risk, High-Reward Proposed Trade

The New York Knicks might form a new Big Three this summer by getting Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns.

The New York Knicks performed admirably under the leadership of superstar point guard Jalen Brunson. Brunson averaged 28.7 points and 6.7 assists per game as a perennial MVP candidate during the regular season, but his numbers increased to 32.4 points and 7.5 assists per game in the playoffs. Unfortunately for the Knicks, they were eliminated in Game 7 of the second round against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday.

Looking ahead to next season, Jalen Brunson, defensive-minded OG Anunoby, and even swingman Josh Hart are the Knicks’ major untouchables, but two-time All-Star Julius Randle may no longer be. The Knicks finished second in the East despite Randle only playing 46 games, and because he is still an All-Star, there may be a blockbuster deal in the works to acquire Kevin Durant from the floundering Phoenix Suns.

New York Knicks get Kevin Durant.

Phoenix Suns receive: Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, Donte DiVincenzo. First-Round Picks: 2024, 2029, and 2030.

This trade would drastically rock up both conferences since the Phoenix Suns need an exceptional big man to combine with Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, and the deal that sends Durant to the Knicks could provide them with just that.

New York Knicks Build A New Big Three, Challenge Boston Celtis For First Seed

Kevin Durant would form one of the NBA’s top Big Threes, perhaps reshaping the New York Knicks’ fortunes. Under the watchful eye of head coach Tom Thibodeau, who is known for his defensive prowess (2nd in OPPG), the Knicks have everything they need to win. Players like OG Anunoby and Josh Hart (9.4 PPG, 8.3 RPG) have blossomed under Thibodeau’s coaching, demonstrating their defensive acumen night after night.

With Durant’s impending arrival, the Knicks are set to usher in a new era of domination. Durant, who forms a fearsome Big Three with rising star Jalen Brunson and defensive veteran OG Anunoby, adds unequaled scoring ability and championship experience to the table. The possibility of Durant donning the classic blue and orange jersey energizes a fanbase hungry for success, with fantasies of a resurgent team emerging as a true power in the Eastern Conference.

The Knicks’ suggested starting lineup of Brunson, Anunoby, Hart, Durant, and Isaiah Hartenstein (priority in free agency) has a combination of offensive firepower and defensive toughness to challenge any club in the NBA. This lineup’s versatility and skill set are prepared to create nightmares for opposing defenses while relentlessly pressuring rival offenses. Even at 35 years old, Durant averaged 27.1 points per game and is still considered a top-10 player in the world.

Phoenix Suns Become An All-Around Better Team In Short And Long-Term

Despite having a powerful pair in Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, the Suns acknowledge the need for a more complete lineup, particularly one with stronger wing and forward play. The Suns’ addition of Julius Randle (24.0 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 5.0 APG) in the deal them a potential to build a powerful frontcourt pair with Jusuf Nurkic (10.9 PPG, 11.0 RPG), giving them a formidable inside presence to match their backcourt power.

Furthermore, the deal allows the Suns to address their defensive inadequacies, which are highlighted by their 13th-ranked defense. By moving Durant and acquiring two big players, as well as a sharpshooter in DiVincenzo (40.1% 3-point FG), the Suns can improve their defensive identity and shore up their shortcomings on that end of the floor. Furthermore, because the Suns will not own picks until 2030, the proposed trade nets them three first-round picks, which will be key assets for future team development and flexibility.

This deal underlines the possibility of further roster improvements through strategic free agency moves or the promotion of guys like Josh Okogie to improve the team’s defensive identity on the wing. By properly addressing their roster requirements and leveraging the assets gained in the trade, the Suns position themselves for long-term success, not just immediate improvement.

A Win-Win Deal That Creates Excitement In Madison Square Garden

This blockbuster deal between the New York Knicks and the Phoenix Suns is a win-win situation with the ability to spark excitement in Madison Square Garden and beyond. For the Knicks, adding a superstar like Kevin Durant instills a renewed feeling of hope and optimism, raising the team’s standing to contender status and reigniting the enthusiasm of their devoted fanbase.

Meanwhile, the Suns profit from a roster revamp that satisfies their desire for a more complete lineup and reinforces their defensive identity, all while acquiring important draft picks for future roster expansion. The Suns need to change their core, yet they are stuck with their current structure.

The notion of Durant wearing the legendary Knicks jersey and bringing the team back to prominence adds another dimension of excitement to the NBA landscape. Similarly, the Suns’ metamorphosis into a more well-rounded and competitive squad sets the groundwork for an intriguing chapter in which they will fix their mistakes from last season.