The New York Knicks are backing away from a move for Kevin Durant, who is expected to be traded by the Phoenix Suns.
Kevin Durant famously had the opportunity to sign with the New York Knicks in 2019, who were at a historically low ebb as a franchise.
Durant controversially chose the Brooklyn Nets, claiming the Knicks were ‘not cool to play for’.
Speaking in 2024, Durant admitted the Knicks had now changed his mind, an interesting statement now as he expects to make an exit from the Phoenix Suns.
A big Kevin Durant trade is expected, with the Rockets, Spurs and Heat claimed to be the three frontrunners.
The topic of Durant to the Knicks has been discussed on ESPN, but it appears the interest is one-sided.
Photo by Kevin Sousa/Getty ImagesKevin Durant latest, and Knicks fan reaction
Marc J. Spears reports the New York Knicks do not intend to make a trade for Kevin Durant, despite his desire to move to the Big Apple.
Speaking to ESPN’s NBA Today, Spears commented: “KD wanted the New York Knicks. The Knicks have no interest in bringing him in.”
This update sparked a strong response from Knicks fans, who believe that it is the player’s fault for missing out.
One fan wrote: “Too late KD, we don’t want you anymore.”
Another added: “He had his chance and chose the Nets.”
A third fan blasted: “He could’ve been. Too bad they “weren’t cool” enough for him back then. Went to the Nets and we know how that turned out. Brother can kick rocks with all due respect.”
“He could have been a Knick. Instead he chose to follow Kyrie and go to the Nets. We’re not giving up pieces and picks to get a 37 year old KD,” another fan added.
“I’m not sure if this is the right move or not but it’s most certainly poetic justice,” another wrote.
Another NBA fan wrote: “The Knicks are smart! He’s 37 and it would take breaking up the core of your roster with no flexibility to improve it at he 1st apron. Also it gives you a 2 year window at max.”
Major questions lie ahead for New York Knicks
Skipping on Kevin Durant as a decision in isolation is understandable. While the Suns star fits their timeline, this was not a case of adding him as a free agent.
The Knicks would have had to trade for Durant, and what they would have had to give up, would essentially place their roster in a similar position.
Former Celtics star Paul Pierce described a Knicks trade for Durant as a lateral move.
Amid all this, there is a bigger issue at play for the Knicks. They currently do not have a head coach after firing Tom Thibodeau.
While the front office can still negotiate trades and make roster decisions, it would be smarter to hire a head coach first and have a unified vision on building for the future.